India Caps Fares, Deploys Planes as Major Airline's Pilot Shortage Strands Passengers
Part of composite article 1.5°C Is Dead: Record Heat, Vanishing Wildlife and Political Failure Define a Year of Ecological Reckoning View full article →
Indian authorities have capped airfares and deployed other airlines' planes to assist passengers, as a major crisis at the country's largest carrier, IndiGo, enters its fifth day. The airline has cancelled thousands of flights this week, stranding hundreds of travelers.
The disruption stems from a severe shortage of available pilots. IndiGo failed to adjust its schedules for new government rules that limit pilots' working hours, leading to mass cancellations.
On Saturday, frustrated passengers gathered outside airports in Bengaluru and Mumbai. IndiGo cancelled 385 flights that day alone.
In response, the government announced special measures on Friday. It instructed other airlines to operate 70 additional flights on affected routes and imposed a fare cap to prevent price surges.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, is monitoring the situation. It has ordered IndiGo to provide timely information and assistance to all impacted passengers.