Airports are reporting normal conditions, without crowding or distress, Civil Aviation Minister tells Lok Sabha

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addresses the Lok Sabha on the Indigo crisis. (Pic/PTI)

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday, while speaking on the floor of the House about the Indigo flight disruptions, informed that the operations were stabilising fast, with airports reporting no "crowding or distress", news agency ANI reported. The Union Minister, addressing the Lower House during the Winter Session of the Parliament, further said that the safety in civil aviation remains non-negotiable.

Naidu further informed the Lok Sabha that IndiGo operated 1,800 flights yesterday, compared to merely 706 on December 5, suggesting the situation was expected to improve further.

"I would like to inform the House that the disruption caused by IndiGo's operational failures is now rapidly stabilising. IndiGo's daily flight count, which had fallen drastically to 706 on December 5, recovered to 1,800 yesterday and is expected to rise further today. All other airlines continue to operate smoothly across the country," he said, adding, "The airports are reporting normal conditions, without crowding or distress. Refunds, baggage tracing, and passenger support measures remain under supervision by the Ministry."

The minister also asserted that the Civil Aviation Ministry was committed to providing convenience to passengers.

"Operations are stabilising fast, safety remains fully in force, IndiGo is being held accountable, passengers' convenience and dignity are being protected, and long-term measures are underway to make India's aviation sector more passenger-centric," Naidu added.

The Civil Aviation Minister further stated that the government was ensuring accountability as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership. Assuring strict action and compliance with the aircraft rules and Act, the minister said that every possible action will be taken against the culprits.

"At the same time, accountability will be ensured. DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation. Depending on the outcome, strict and appropriate action, as empowered under the aircraft rules and act, will be taken. No airline will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures and non-compliance with statutory provisions," Naidu said.

Highlighting the safety in the civil aviation sector, he stated, "Safety in civil aviation is non-negotiable. India is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and remains committed to the highest global standards of safety. The revised flight duty time limitation, designed to prevent pilot fatigue, is being implemented. These reforms are essentially for passenger safety."

(With inputs from ANI)