Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Chaos Triggered by IndiGo Flight Cancellations

The Supreme Court on Monday voiced serious concern over the widespread disruption caused by mass flight cancellations and delays by IndiGo, observing that thousands of passengers remain stranded across airports in the country.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that the situation has turned chaotic, affecting travellers’ health, safety, and basic comfort.

“It is a serious matter. Lakhs of people are stranded at the airports. We know the Government of India has taken timely action and cognizance of the issue. People may have health issues, etc,” CJI Kant said.

Petition Mentioned Before SC

The remarks came after a counsel sought urgent listing of a petition highlighting the crisis. The lawyer submitted that IndiGo is facing acute manpower shortages, leading to massive delays and cancellations.

“Customers are not informed. Passengers are suffering,” the counsel argued.

However, the Court did not grant an urgent listing and indicated that the matter will be taken up in the usual course.

Parallel PIL Before Delhi High Court

A similar plea was filed before the Delhi High Court, seeking directions for refunds and better passenger support during the ongoing crisis.

The petitioner sought urgent intervention, terming the situation at airports “inhumane.”

“Ground situation is inhumane. We are expecting the Court to pass orders to IndiGo and ground staff for proper support. There is no proper refund,” the counsel told the Bench.

The division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela acknowledged that the central government has already taken certain steps but agreed to list the matter on Wednesday.

Pilot Shortage and FDTL Issues Behind Crisis

IndiGo’s operations have been severely disrupted due to:

• Acute shortage of pilots, and

• Its failure to implement the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms meant to prevent pilot fatigue.

In view of the crisis, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted an exemption to IndiGo, allowing temporary relaxation of FDTL norms.

Despite this, the airline continues to cancel hundreds of flights daily at major airports, leaving the situation far from normal.