India’s largest airline, IndiGo, says it has “normalised” operations after cancelling more than 3,000 flights last week due to what officials described as poor pilot roster planning, a crisis that left thousands of passengers stranded.<\/p>\n
This came as authorities ordered IndiGo to cut 10% of its winter schedule – double the reduction first announced – a move that could see more than 200 daily flights cancelled.<\/p>\n
Federal Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the ministry “considers it necessary to curtail the overall IndiGo routes” to help restore stability.<\/p>\n
He added that despite the schedule cut, “IndiGo will continue to cover all its destinations as before”.<\/p>\n
The airline has also been ordered to submit its revised flight schedule to the regulator by Wednesday.<\/p>\n
IndiGo operates over 2,200 flights daily and controls more than 60% of India’s domestic market.<\/p>\n
Aviation analysts told the BBC slashing 10% of IndiGo’s daily capacity may worsen India’s aviation crisis in the weeks to come, as other airlines like Air India or SpiceJet do not have spare capacity.<\/p>\n
“The government’s move may benefit passengers in the long term but for now they might have to pay more,” Sanat Kaul, an analyst, told the BBC.<\/p>\n
India’s aviation ministry summoned IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers on Tuesday to explain how the airline was addressing the crisis and handling passenger complaints.<\/p>\n
In a video note posted on X on Tuesday, Mr Elbers said that the airline has “fully stabilised” its operations.<\/p>\n
IndiGo’s shares have lost 15% since 1 December as investors fear rising costs from operational disruptions and higher crew expenses under the new rules.<\/p>\n
Aviation Analyst Mark Martin said he expects IndiGo to face “more penalties for its actions” in the days ahead.<\/p>\n
The carrier has been instructed to cap fares, expedite refunds and quicken baggage handover to affected customers.<\/p>\n
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