IndiGo Disruptions Spark Concerns of Monopoly in Aviation Sector: Centre Takes Action
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A wave of flight cancellations by IndiGo has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded, prompting concerns of a monopoly in the aviation sector. On Friday, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, calling for the Centre to take immediate action. In the Upper House, Tiwari urged Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to brief Parliament on the situation, citing the impact on MPs who may need to travel back to their hometowns over the weekend. He alleged that the cancellations were a result of a 'monopoly' in the aviation sector. The issue has sparked a political row, with the Opposition holding the Central government responsible for the situation. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also blamed the government's 'monopoly model', saying that ordinary Indians pay the price in delays, cancellations, and helplessness. In response, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Centre is taking steps to address the issue. He informed the House that the government is working to resolve the technical problem in private airlines, including IndiGo. It's worth noting that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) withdrew a new weekly roster norm for pilots on Friday, which impacted IndiGo's operations. The airline has cited 'misjudgment and planning gaps' in adapting to crew fatigue rules as the reason for its operational collapse. With over 1,000 IndiGo flights cancelled in the past four days, the situation is expected to continue for the time being. The Centre's response to the situation remains a key focus as passengers and politicians alike await a resolution to the crisis.
