Following mass cancellations of IndiGo services in West Bengal and other parts of the country, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday dispatched a senior officer to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, to conduct an on-the-ground review to stabilise passenger services and ensure zero disruptions.
IndiGo flight operations in the country have faced significant disruptions since December 2, due to crew shortages in the wake of the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, which stipulate more rest for pilots and rationalisation of their flying duties — particularly late-night operations.
Civil Aviation Director Tanvi Sundriyal interacted directly with affected travellers of Kolkata airport to understand their concerns and assured them of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to stabilise operations and improve the overall travel experience.
She visited key areas, including IndiGo’s helpdesk, airline ticket booking counters, check-in counters, security hold area (SHA), departure gates, and queue management zones.
Sundriyal held a review meeting with senior officers of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Kolkata Airport, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and airline representatives. They engaged in detailed discussions regarding ongoing actions and additional steps required to streamline flight operations, enhance manpower deployment, and strengthen passenger facilitation measures.
Sundriyal commended the proactive measures already implemented by AAI, CISF, and airlines to assist passengers, such as increased staff deployment, special facilitation counters, real-time passenger updates, and improved coordination among all stakeholders.
She reiterated that the Ministry is actively monitoring the situation and has extended its full support for the swift normalisation of services.
“AAI Kolkata Airport assures all passengers that every possible effort is being taken, in coordination with MoCA and airlines, to restore normal operations at the earliest and provide efficient assistance across all touchpoints,” said an officer at Kolkata airport.
On Tuesday, flight services at Kolkata airport, where there were 91 scheduled arrivals and 90 scheduled departures, were not affected. Out of 181 flight services, only one flight experienced a delay in departure, according to reports. However, IndiGo cancelled around 180 flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports.
On Tuesday, flight services at Kolkata airport, where there were 91 scheduled arrivals and 90 scheduled departures, were not affected. Out of 181 flight services, only one flight experienced a delay in departure, according to reports. However, IndiGo cancelled around 180 flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports.