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Amid widespread operational disruptions at IndiGo across the country, CPI(M) MP Amra Ram on Friday criticised the airline for its handling of the crisis, alleging that private carriers routinely display "lethargic behaviour" and blaming the situation on increasing privatisation in the aviation sector.
Speaking to ANI, Ram said, "Saying sorry is not enough. These private companies apologise and then run from their responsibilities. All private companies show the same lethargic behaviour. This is a result of privatisation..." Congress MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna also voiced concern over the ongoing disruptions and called for a comprehensive investigation into the airline's functioning. He alleged that IndiGo was "overusing, harassing, and exploiting pilots" and operating with inadequate staffing. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Krishna said he had communicated with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and urged a detailed inquiry into IndiGo's operational conduct. "Today, I had a word with Minister Ram Mohan also. I requested him to do a complete investigation on what IndiGo is doing. There is complete mismanagement in the company. The Federation of Pilots of India have also applied, saying that there is injustice to the pilots; that IndiGo is overusing, harassing, and exploiting the pilots and that they are hugely understaffed," he said. The Congress MP further urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to probe the recurring operational failures. "Close to 200 flights were cancelled in a single day...This is the third day that it has happened. It seems that this company is functioning only for profits...I am appealing to the Ministry and also to the DGCA to do a complete investigation on why this is happening. There is also a huge concern of the price of tickets today, because of this mismanagement of IndiGo, flight tickets have gone up to Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000..." he told ANI. According to the latest report, over 500 IndiGo flights have been delayed or cancelled amid ongoing airline operational disruptions nationwide, causing severe inconvenience to passengers. Earlier on Friday, all IndiGo flights departing from Delhi Airport were cancelled until midnight, while operations for other airlines continued as scheduled, according to an advisory issued by the Delhi Airport. In an official advisory, the Delhi Airport said, "IndiGo domestic flights departing from Delhi Airport on 5th December 2025 are cancelled till midnight today (till 23:59 hours). Operations for all other carriers remain as scheduled. Our dedicated on-ground teams are working diligently with all partners to mitigate the disruption and ensure a comfortable passenger experience." Passengers across multiple airports expressed strong frustration over the severe disruption, leaving many stranded with no clear communication or alternate travel options. Passengers said that disruptions, attributed to staff shortages and new rules for crew members, have left many stranded at airports for hours without proper communication, food, or water. Meanwhile, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement that IndiGo, which is experiencing operational disruptions and cancellations, has sought temporary operational exemptions from certain Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) provisions for its A320 fleet until February 10, 2026, and assured that operational stability will be restored by that date. IndiGo has been experiencing a sharp rise in cancellations, reaching approximately 170-200 flights per day, significantly higher than the airline's usual levels. (ANI)
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