No compromise on safety, aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu tells parliament amid IndiGo crisis

In his statement to the Rajya Sabha on Monday, civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that the ongoing IndiGo crisis is due to the airline’s internal crew rostering and operational planning, not linked to the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS).

There will be no compromise on safety, the minister said, adding that stringent civil aviation requirements (CARs) exist to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations.

“For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict CARs are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country," he said.

He said that IndiGo’s problems are related to its crew rostering, and internal operational planning, which the airline is responsible for managing on a day-to-day basis. He also said that thorough consultations have been held with all stakeholders concerning Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) guidelines, and stressed that there will be no compromise on safety.

"If there is non-adherence by any operator, we will take very strict action,” the aviation minister said. He also said that the government is aiming to bring more players in the aviation sector.

Replying to a query on cancelled flights and exorbitant airfares, minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that over five lakh PNR cancellations had been recorded, and ₹569 crore has been provided to affected passengers.

“The government has capped fares and created four pricing slabs, taking strict action against non-compliance, and has previously acted to curb unreasonable fare hikes," he added.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo a one-time 24-hour extension to respond to the show-cause notice issued on December 6, 2025, over large-scale operational disruptions and observed non-compliances.

In an update shared earlier today, IndiGo informed that it has been having board meetings ever since the crisis began. A crisis management group was set up at the board’s first meeting on December 4, and the group is meeting every day to closely monitor all matters related to the present situation, the airline said.