Opposition slams Centre over IndiGo flight chaos, alleges regulatory failure

As widespread delays and cancellations cripple IndiGorsquos operations across major airports Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Centre alleging that the government was protecting the airline instead of regulating it Her remarks come at a time when thousands of passengers are stranded across the country due to severe network disruptionsChaturvedi said ldquoWho will explain the reasons The people who never gave you any reason will now try to explain why the norms were not being followed While other airlines complied why was IndiGo given exemption The entire government seems to be in IndiGorsquos pocket and it has been proven that as soon as flights stopped taking off or were canceled they violated the existing norms and regulations I believe this has been going on for a long time Why did the Civil Aviation Ministry allow them to continue their arbitrary actions Why were the DGCA officials not held accountable Now only a show cause notice is being issuedhelliprdquoEchoing the criticism Trinamool MP Kirti Azad launched an even sharper attack on the airline saying ldquoIndiGo is a thief airline They charge passengers for seats food water and soon they may even charge for using the toilet Two years ago it was known that pilots need rest for passenger safety if a pilot doesnrsquot get the mandated 48hour rest accidents can happen But IndiGo ignored this law because it has become a moneymaking machinerdquoldquoThe government and DGCA should answer why this negligence was allowed IndiGo with a 64 per cent market share operates with impunity while other airlines like Tata are careful due to grounded planes IndiGo should be fined crores immediately Despite ticket caps of Rs 15000 they are charging Rs 50000ndash60000 The airline has no fear of the government and the government is acting like a business promoter instead of a regulatorrdquo she addedCongress MP Jebi Mather also expressed concern calling the situation a nationwide distress ldquoThe IndiGo issue is such a disaster passengers across the country are finding it very difficult This situation should be resolved as soon as possiblehelliprdquoIndiGo Indiarsquos largest carrier with over 60 per cent market share has been facing major operational breakdowns due to crew shortages flight duty time violations and alleged overscheduling despite staff fatigue concernsThe disruptions have led to mass cancellations and skyhigh spot fares on several routesThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA has issued a showcause notice to the airline but Opposition leaders argue that regulatory action has been too little too lateThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever