New Delhi, Dec 09, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned that government rules should enhance systems, not cause hardship for Indian citizens, as the Centre signalled punitive action against IndiGo following widespread flight disruptions.
PM’s message at NDA lawmaker meeting
Speaking at a morning meeting of NDA lawmakers, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju relayed the Prime Minister’s view that while regulations are necessary, they must not be used to “harass the public.” Mr. Modi emphasised the government’s duty to prevent citizens from suffering because of rules or enforcement missteps.
The remarks came amid an ongoing crisis at IndiGo after a week of major flight cancellations tied to compliance with new fatigue- and workload-related crew rules introduced by aviation authorities.
Government response: ‘An example will be made’
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu told Parliament the ministry would hold IndiGo accountable. According to ministerial statements shared in the House, the government will act firmly against non-compliance and “set an example for every airline.”
The minister stressed care for pilots, crew and passengers, and said the government would not take the situation lightly.
Scale of disruption and passenger impact
Passengers experienced prolonged delays and cancellations as airlines adjusted to stricter rules limiting on-duty hours and increasing mandatory rest between shifts for pilots and cabin crew.
IndiGo has refunded more than ₹830 crore so far, the company said, while the airline also suffered a large decline in market value estimated at around ₹37,000 crore. Reports during the week suggested roughly 4,500 flights were grounded across a seven-day period as roster and crew management were realigned to the new rules.
The sheer volume of affected bookings reportedly over 9.5 lakh tickets sold for impacted services led to delayed refunds and occasional processing errors, which further frustrated travellers. Social media was flooded with photos, videos and personal accounts of passengers stranded while travelling for medical emergencies and family reasons.
IndiGo’s customer relief and next steps
IndiGo announced a full refund policy for affected flights with waived cancellation and rescheduling charges. The airline said it was working to normalise operations while ensuring compliance with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) updated fatigue-management rules.
Meanwhile, the ministry has ordered inspections and indicated tighter oversight at major airports. Parliamentarians from both sides raised concerns as the issue overlapped with a broader debate on electoral reforms being taken up in the House.
What passengers should know
Passengers impacted by cancellations are advised to confirm refund timelines and keep communications from the airline. Those with urgent travel needs should check alternative flights and retain receipts for any incurred expenses related to the disruption.
For official guidelines on passenger rights and airline obligations, see the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) website and related government advisories.
