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Introduction: IndiGo Faces Unprecedented Operational Disruption India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has been at the center of a massive operational crisis since December 2, resulting in nearly 5,000 flight cancellations across major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. In response, the airline’s Chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, released a public statement dismissing allegations that the crisis was “engineered” or that IndiGo attempted to influence government rules. This article examines the factual developments, the legal and regulatory framework governing such disruptions, relevant constitutional and statutory provisions, and applicable judicial precedents. Allegations Against IndiGo and the Chairman’s Response Chairman Denies Claims of “Engineering a Crisis” Vikram Singh Mehta stated that while there has been “fair criticism” regarding passenger inconvenience and operational mismanagement, allegations such as: engineering the crisis influencing government rules ...

The recent operational collapse at IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has triggered one of the most significant aviation regulatory interventions in years. With over 2,000 flights cancelled since Tuesday and thousands of passengers stranded across major airports, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated strict action by issuing a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. This article breaks down the developments, legal basis, and statutory provisions that empower DGCA to act, while analysing the crisis through labelled sections for better blogging reach. Background: The Worst Aviation Disruption in Recent Years IndiGo has been witnessing massive operational breakdowns over the last five days, resulting in: More than 2,000 flight cancellations Widespread delays across key routes Passengers stranded across multiple airports Sharp surge in last-minute airfares across airlines The crisis stems from the airline’s transition to Phase II of the rev...

The tragic June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that killed more than 250 people, continues to undergo scrutiny before the Supreme Court of India. During the latest hearing, the Union government clarified that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) inquiry is not designed to assign blame but to determine the cause of the accident and prevent future tragedies. This article analyses: Key facts from the ongoing case Legal provisions governing aviation accident inquiries Constitutional issues raised Relevant judicial precedents Concerns raised by pilots' associations and petitioners The Supreme Court’s observations so far Centre’s Clarification Before the Supreme Court Appearing for the government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that there was no attempt to apportion blame on any individual during the AAIB’s investigation into the Air India Dreamliner crash. He emphasised that the inquiry strictl...

DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Akasa Airlines  for Regulatory Breaches The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's apex body for aviation safety and regulatory oversight, has taken serious action against Akasa Airlines. Following a rigorous spot audit, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to the airline, citing significant regulatory violations. This move underscores the DGCA's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and compliance in India. Findings from the DGCA Audit The DGCA’s recent spot audit of Akasa Airlines revealed that the airline had conducted practical training sessions without obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. This lapse is particularly concerning as it raises questions about the adequacy of the airline's training programs and overall operational readiness. Training sessions, especially those involving practical simulations, are crucial for ensuring that crew members are fully prepared for all scenarios the...

Aviation Ministry Seeks Explanation from Vistara Over Flight Disruptions Amidst a surge in flight cancellations and delays by Vistara Airlines, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has taken action by requesting a comprehensive report from the airline regarding the disruptions. Over the past week, Vistara's operations have been significantly affected, leading to widespread inconvenience for passengers and prompting a flood of complaints to the aviation ministry. Operational Issues Prompt Ministry's Response The MoCA's directive to Vistara follows the airline's acknowledgment of various operational challenges, including crew unavailability, as the primary reasons behind the disruptions. With more than 100 flights affected, Vistara has been instructed to provide detailed insights into the root causes of the cancellations and delays, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Vistara's Response and Mitigation Measures In response to the ministry's directive, Vista...