NEW DELHI, Dec 7: A Parliamentary Panel is likely to summon top executives of private airlines and the civil aviation regulator following the mass cancellation of IndiGo flights, which has left thousands of travellers stranded across airports nationwide.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, chaired by JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha, is expected to seek explanations from airline executives, officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding the cause of the disruptions and possible solutions.
A panel member said the committee has taken serious note of the difficulties faced by thousands of passengers. Even parliamentarians in the national capital for the Winter Session were affected by IndiGo’s cancellations and delays by other airlines, the member added. Many MPs also received complaints about rising airfares amid the disruptions.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, who is not on the transport committee, has demanded a joint parliamentary committee or judicial inquiry into the large-scale disruption of flights.
IndiGo cancelled more than 220 flights at Delhi and Mumbai airports on Sunday, marking the sixth straight day of disruptions, even as efforts continued to stabilise operations.
The DGCA on Saturday issued notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO and Accountable Manager Porqueras, seeking explanations. IndiGo, in a Sunday statement, said the Board of InterGlobe Aviation, its parent company, has formed a Crisis Management Group that is meeting regularly to monitor the situation. The Board of Directors is taking all possible steps to support customers and ensure timely refunds, the airline added. (Agencies)
