The IndiGo court scrutiny intensified as the Delhi High Court questioned the government’s delay in responding to the nationwide airline crisis. The ninth day of cancellations by IndiGo has resulted in disorder across the country. As a result, the High Court of Delhi criticized the government for not acting more quickly to assist those affected by the airline’s cancellations. The judge questioned the government as to why there was a delay before it began to assist IndiGo.He asked how IndiGo continued operating with fatigued pilots and placed passengers at a crossroads on safety. The judge remarked that IndiGo has continually violated regulations limiting the company’s ability to safely operate and successfully land an aircraft. They concluded their remarks by directing IndiGo to follow compliance with all provisions of the Passenger Protection Act. This surge in IndiGo court scrutiny reflects growing judicial concern over the airline’s operational failures and safety risks.
The judge ordered IndiGo to make compensation payments to passengers currently trapped in this prolonged situation and also directed the MoCA and the DGCA to create and enforce all regulations applicable to IndiGo.Also, the judge makes an observation on how seniors and children have been disproportionately affected by the airlines’ failures. The judge questioned the regulatory authorities as to why they waited to assist IndiGo until after it had created a crisis. In addition, there was a clear warning to all airline operators that if they continued to exceed the Maximum Flight Duty Time Limits, they would be subject to penalties. The bench said, “If a pilot is supposed to do 2 landings in a night and he is doing 6, he is compromising on people’s safety.” They also questioned IndiGo’s pilot-recruitment failures under new rules.
Inquiry findings intensify scrutiny on IndiGo
DGCA officials informed the court about ongoing investigations. They said IndiGo showed “prima facie deficiencies in internal oversight and compliance plans.” IndiGo issued a public apology after being served a show-cause notice that cited some of the most significant breaches of service. IndiGo cited some of the major violations due to weather and system issues; however, in addition to those violations, the orders also stated that other airlines had increased their prices by over 300% while IndiGo had reportedly raised its ticket price by ₹37,000-₹38,000, respectively.
Regulators confront wider failures across aviation
The judge questioned how IndiGo could receive an exemption from following the standards when they failed to comply with them. He asked if the DGCA had the authority to issue these exemptions, considering there has been a history of non-compliance within the industry. The judge wanted the regulators to clarify what enforcement options are available. IndiGo maintained that it had never experienced such severe disruption over its 19 years of operation. However, the judges stressed that economic and operational harm had been experienced throughout the nation and instructed IndiGo to return to full operational stability promptly. The next court date is set for 22nd January 2026.
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