Govt asks IndiGo to complete refunds by Sunday, imposes airfare caps
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New Delhi: The Civil Aviation Ministry on Saturday instructed IndiGo to complete the ticket refund process for all cancelled flights by Sunday evening and ensure that baggage separated from passengers is delivered within the next 48 hours, following widespread flight disruptions.
A day after the airline cancelled more than 1,000 flights and caused operational chaos for the fifth consecutive day, the ministry warned that any delay or non-compliance in refund processing would invite immediate regulatory action.
The statement added, “Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations.”
On Saturday, over 400 flights were cancelled across various airports. To assist passengers, IndiGo has been directed to establish dedicated support and refund facilitation cells. “These cells have been tasked to proactively contact affected passengers and ensure that refunds and alternative travel arrangements are processed without the need for multiple follow-ups,” the ministry said. “The system of automatic refunds will remain active until operations stabilise completely.”
Further, the ministry said the airline must trace and deliver baggage separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays within the next two days.
In addition to refund directives, the government introduced airfare caps amid rising ticket prices on certain routes caused by the reduced number of flights. For five days in a row, IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, has faced widespread cancellations, primarily due to crew shortages, pushing airfares higher in several sectors.
Taking serious note of the situation, the civil aviation ministry invoked its regulatory powers to ensure fair and reasonable fares across all affected routes. “An official directive has been issued to all airlines mandating strict adherence to the fare caps that have now been prescribed,” the statement added. The limits will remain in place until the situation stabilises, although specific details about the airfare caps are yet to be announced.
With PTI inputs