IndiGo flight disruptions: Opposition demands statement from government; Rammohan Naidu assures strict adherence to safety protocols

The Opposition on Monday (December 8, 2025) demanded in the Lok Sabha that the government should inform the country about what it is doing in the wake of the IndiGo flight disruptions and the inconvenience being faced by the people at various airports across the country.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha soon after the Question Hour, Congress’ deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said, “Through you [the Speaker], we request the government that the Civil Aviation Ministry should tell the country through this House that why people in all airports across the country since many days [are facing trouble], there are dialysis patients, people who have weddings in their house, people who want to reach their elderly, there is chaos at the airports.”

“We were told that even people wearing Hawai chappals will travel in airplanes but prices have soared to ₹20,000, coffee [at airports] is for ₹250 and planes are delayed. Therefore, the government should tell us what is it doing,” he said.

The Opposition has been attacking the government over the IndiGo flight disruptions and blaming it for the “unprecedented crisis”.

The Congress had earlier claimed that the ongoing IndiGo chaos was not an accident but the direct outcome of the BJP Government’s “relentless push to manufacture a duopoly in the sector”.

‘No compromise on safety,’ says Rammohan Naidu in Rajya Sabha

Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu addressed the ongoing IndiGo crisis in the Rajya Sabha, saying the issues faced by passengers were linked to the airline’s internal crew rostering and operational planning, and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS).

The Aviation Minister emphasised that “there will be no compromise on safety”. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Naidu stated that stringent Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) exist to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations. “For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country,” he said.

Mr. Naidu explained that the problems at IndiGo were related to crew rostering and internal operational planning, which the airline is responsible for managing on a day-to-day basis. He added that thorough consultations have been held with all stakeholders concerning Flight Time Limitations (FTTL) guidelines, and emphasised that there will be no compromise on safety.

Mr. Naidu underlined that the government is taking the situation seriously and warned, “If there is non-adherence by any operator, we will take very strict action.” He also highlighted the government’s intent to encourage more players in the aviation sector.

Answering a question from Member of Rajya Sabha M. Thambi Durai, who cited long hours spent stranded and exorbitant fares, the Union Minister expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. “Over five lakh PNR cancellations had been recorded, and ₹569 crore had been provided to affected passengers. The government has capped fares and created four pricing slabs, taking strict action against non-compliance, and has previously acted to curb unreasonable fare hikes,” the Aviation Minister said.

The discussion comes amid continued delays and cancellations across IndiGo’s network, leaving passengers stranded at airports nationwide.

Over 250 IndiGo flights were cancelled from Delhi and Bengaluru airports on Monday (December 8) as the disruptions in the crisis-hit airline’s flight operations entered the seventh day, sources said.