PM Modi on IndiGo crisis as govt addresses airline mess – Firstpost

Amid the ongoing
IndiGo flight crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underlined the need to ensure that regulatory frameworks strengthen governance without creating difficulties for Indian citizens. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday shared the Prime Minister’s remarks with National Democratic Alliance MPs during a meeting.

According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister stated, “It is our responsibility to ensure that no citizen of India faces any hardship from the government simply because they are Indian citizens. Rules and regulations are good… but they should be used to improve the system, not harass the public.”

“Prime Minister Modi has said in very clear words that there should not be any such law or rule which unnecessarily troubles the common citizens. This should not happen. Laws should not be a burden on the people, but for their convenience,” added Rijiju.

IndiGo reels from extended disruption

The operational disruption at
IndiGo entered its eighth consecutive day on Tuesday, with the airline continuing to face significant challenges. In the midst of the chaos, IndiGo has reportedly lost 5% of its flying routes and is seeking additional time to stabilise operations.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu said the ministry would make an “example of the budget airline”, which has already refunded over Rs 830 crore and seen a loss of Rs 37,000 crore in market value.

In an interview with DD News, Naidu said, “We will curtail IndiGo’s routes. They are currently operating 2,200 flights. We will definitely curtail them.”

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras, seeking an explanation for the widespread disruptions across the country.

Amid rising pressure, the government has convened a high-level meeting today, bringing together the civil aviation ministry and senior officials from major airlines to discuss the ongoing crisis.