Govt Orders IndiGo to Clear All Pending Refunds by 8 PM as Flight Cancellations Cross 400
New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday issued a strict directive to IndiGo, ordering the airline to complete all pending passenger refunds by 8 PM on Sunday. The order comes as disruptions in IndiGo’s operations entered the fifth straight day, leading to the cancellation of 405 domestic flights.
In its statement, the Ministry said the refund process for every cancelled or disrupted flight must be completed without delay. It also instructed all airlines not to charge rescheduling fees from passengers whose plans were affected by the ongoing cancellations. Authorities warned that any delay or non-compliance in processing refunds would result in immediate regulatory action.
The government has also directed IndiGo to ensure that all baggage separated from passengers is traced, collected, and delivered to their homes or chosen addresses within the next 48 hours. Airlines must keep passengers informed about tracking updates and delivery timelines and must provide compensation wherever applicable under India’s passenger rights regulations.
To strengthen grievance redressal, the Ministry has asked IndiGo to set up dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cells. These units must proactively contact affected travellers, resolve issues without requiring repeated follow-ups, and ensure automatic refunds continue until operations return to normal.
The Ministry said it remains in continuous coordination with airlines, airports, and security agencies to protect passenger rights during this disruption. It added that special attention must be given to senior citizens, differently abled passengers, students, patients, and those requiring urgent travel. The government reiterated that it is fully committed to restoring complete operational normalcy as soon as possible.
The nationwide impact of the ongoing crisis has put immense pressure on the aviation ecosystem. Thousands of passengers have faced delays, cancellations, and lost baggage. With the government stepping in more assertively, the focus is now on bringing stability, clearing backlogs, and preventing further inconvenience to the travelling public.
Our Thoughts
The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s latest directive reflects the urgency of the situation and the growing frustration among passengers affected by IndiGo’s ongoing disruptions. With more than 400 domestic flights cancelled in just a few days, thousands of travellers have been left facing uncertainty, financial losses, and emotional stress. Under such circumstances, strong regulatory action becomes not only necessary but essential to protect the interests of the flying public.
Requiring IndiGo to complete all pending refunds by a fixed deadline is a clear message that passenger rights cannot be compromised, even during operational crises. The additional instructions regarding baggage delivery, support cells, and proactive outreach highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability. These measures are especially important for vulnerable travellers, including senior citizens, students, and patients, who often cannot afford delays or extra costs.
The crisis also underscores the need for better operational planning and communication within the aviation sector. Large-scale disruptions expose weaknesses in coordination, staffing, and passenger handling. While the government’s intervention has provided immediate relief, long-term solutions will depend on consistent enforcement of passenger rights and stronger internal systems within airlines.
Restoring normalcy quickly will be crucial, but rebuilding trust will take longer. Transparent communication, timely refunds, and genuine support for affected passengers will determine how smoothly IndiGo recovers from this setback.