IndiGo to Pay ₹22 Crore Penalty for December Flight Disruptions, Promises Improved Operations

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India's aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a fine of ₹22.2 crore on IndiGo for disrupting thousands of flights in December. The penalties come after a probe committee found that the airline's flight disruptions were caused by over-optimization of operations, inadequate regulatory preparedness, and system software issues. The disruptions resulted in the cancellation of 2,507 flights and 1,852 delays, leaving passengers stranded at airports. In response, IndiGo has assured its stakeholders that it will take "appropriate measures" to improve its operations and prevent such disruptions in the future. "We are committed to taking full cognizance of the orders and will take thoughtful and timely measures to address the issues," said IndiGo in a statement. The airline has also initiated an internal review to strengthen its processes and systems. The DGCA's probe committee found that IndiGo's management failed to identify planning deficiencies and maintain sufficient operational buffers, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations. The airline has promised to play a "humble role" in ensuring India emerges as a global aviation major by 2030. IndiGo has been operating in India for over 19 years and has a "pristine record" of service. However, the recent disruptions have raised concerns about the airline's ability to manage its operations efficiently. The airline has vowed to learn from its mistakes and improve its services to meet the needs of its customers and the country.