Supreme Court Declines Immediate Hearing on IndiGo Flight Cancellations

Post by : Mara Rahim

The Supreme Court indicated on Monday that it will not conduct an urgent hearing regarding a plea for immediate judicial intervention concerning the extensive cancellations of IndiGo flights throughout the nation. The court acknowledged that the central government is already involved in managing the situation. Chief Justice Surya Kant, leading the bench alongside Justice Joymalya Bagchi, underscored the seriousness of the matter, citing the predicament of lakhs of stranded passengers at various airports. He remarked that the government has taken timely measures, especially given that many travelers may have pressing health matters or significant reasons for their journeys.

A legal representative brought the situation to the court's attention, noting that IndiGo has cancelled a substantial number of flights in recent days, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers. He asserted that many cancellations were not adequately communicated to those affected, with around 2,500 flights being delayed. According to his statement, travelers are encountering significant challenges at approximately 95 airports nationwide as they await updates.

On Monday alone, around 300 flights from Delhi and Bengaluru operated by IndiGo were cancelled as the airline grapples with ongoing operational challenges. Since the onset of cancellations on December 2, IndiGo has faced mounting pressure from both passengers and the government. The airline attributed these disruptions to new regulatory amendments related to pilots’ duty hours and updated aviation standards. The situation has left a vast number of passengers stranded across the country, many waiting for extended periods for alternative travel arrangements.

In a related development, another petition addressing the cancellations has been submitted to the Delhi High Court, with the hearing scheduled for December 10. The unfolding situation has raised alarms for travelers and provoked concerns about the resilience of the aviation industry and the preparedness of airlines amidst abrupt policy changes. As disruptions persist, the matter remains under scrutiny from government entities and regulatory agencies.

Currently, the Supreme Court has made it clear that it will not take urgent action, noting that relevant authorities are already responding to the matter. The ongoing crisis continues to impact flyers nationwide, showcasing one of the most significant travel disruptions in recent Indian history.