Indigo’s monopoly disrupts Indian Aviation industry
The Crisis
IndiGo cancelled more than 1,000 flights in a single day, leaving passengers stranded nationwide.
The disruption stemmed from crew shortages, pilot rest rules, and poor roster planning, not technical failures.
As India’s largest airline, controlling two-thirds of the domestic market, (near about 60%) the collapse hit connectivity hard.
Government & PMO Action
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has taken direct charge, pressing IndiGo’s leadership to restore normalcy.
The Civil Aviation Ministry summoned IndiGo officials to explain the crisis.
The government is considering heavy penalties and even removal of CEO Pieter Elbers and senior executives.
Airfares have been capped on affected routes, and refunds ordered for stranded passengers.
Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu warned Parliament of “very, very strict action” to set a precedent.
Why It Matters
IndiGo’s dominance means its failure directly impacts millions of travelers.
The crackdown signals the government’s intent to hold private carriers accountable for public interest.
Leadership changes could reshape India’s aviation industry if penalties or restrictions are enforced.
The Real Game Behind Cancellations and Refunds play By Indigo
If the airline cancels in advance: They must give a 100% refund → Loss for the company
If the passenger cancels: They deduct cancellation charges → Profit for the company
If they announce a delay: They avoid paying for lunch/dinner expenses
If they make passengers stay overnight at the airport: They save lakhs in hotel bills
How Airlines Trap Passengers
On your mobile: Flight status shows “ON TIME” — so you head to the airport.
At the airport: Initial 2-hour delay — avoids having to provide food.
Then: Extended 4-hour delay — avoids paying for hotel accommodation.
Finally: Flight is cancelled — now you’re stuck and helpless.
Purpose: The airline hopes the passenger cancels the ticket out of frustration, so they don’t have to issue a full refund.
What the Tweet Shows on Indigo’s Twitter handle,
CEO Pieter Elbers appears in a video addressing the flight chaos, acknowledging December 5 as the “most severely impacted day.”
The tone is apologetic, but he avoids mentioning the root cause: IndiGo’s failure to comply with new DGCA crew rest regulations, which were notified a year ago.
Community notes added by readers clarify this missing context, stating:“IndiGo and other airlines were notified about new rules a year ago. IndiGo failed to comply… which led to this mess.”
