Mamata blames Centre for chaos over Indigo flight crisis

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government over the ongoing Indigo flight disruptions, accusing it of enforcing new aviation rules without any contingency planning and pushing thousands of passengers into chaos.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Speaking to reporters outside Kolkata airport before leaving for a two-day visit to North Bengal, Banerjee said the flight crisis could have been avoided had the Centre allowed airlines 15-20 days to prepare alternative arrangements.

“Most flights have been stopped without any planning. It is very unfortunate,” she said, adding that airfares on the few operational flights had shot up drastically. “A ticket that normally costs Rs 3,000 is now Rs 50,000. How will common people travel?”

Miss Banerjee cited the recent case of a couple who failed to reach their wedding reception due to the disruption and had to join the event over a video call.

“I have never seen such paralysis. This is a disaster,” she said, demanding compensation for all affected passengers.

The Chief Minister, who delivered most of her comments in English “to reach out to victims across the country,” accused the Centre of negligence.