Can IndiGo meet the government’s 8 PM Sunday deadline to issue all refunds for cancelled flights and ensure separated baggage is delivered on time? Find out how authorities are stepping in to help stranded passengers.
Separated baggage must be delivered within 48 hours.
New Delhi: Following widespread flight disruptions over the weekend, the civil aviation ministry has issued a strict directive to IndiGo, instructing the airline to complete all ticket refunds for cancelled flights by 8 PM on Sunday. This comes after more than 1,000 flights were cancelled on Friday, with over 400 more affected on Saturday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across India.
The ministry emphasized that any delay in processing refunds would attract immediate regulatory action. Additionally, passengers whose travel plans were affected will not be charged any rescheduling fees. These measures aim to protect consumer rights and restore public confidence in air travel following the operational chaos.
To ensure smooth execution of refunds and support, IndiGo has been asked to establish dedicated passenger assistance centres. These teams are expected to proactively reach out to affected travellers, facilitate refunds, and arrange alternative travel options without requiring repeated follow-ups from passengers. The system of automatic refunds remains active until operations stabilise fully, ensuring quicker resolution for those impacted.
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In addition to ticket refunds, the ministry directed that any baggage separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays must be traced and delivered within 48 hours. Airlines have been instructed to maintain clear communication regarding tracking and delivery timelines, while also providing compensation under existing passenger rights regulations where applicable.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu stated that full restoration of services is expected within three days. He added that the government has temporarily suspended the new flight duty norms and initiated a high-level inquiry to identify the reasons behind IndiGo’s operational failures and hold responsible parties accountable.
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The disruptions over Friday and Saturday caused widespread inconvenience, with passengers reporting long delays, missed connections, and unclaimed baggage. With IndiGo being India’s largest airline, the government’s strict intervention highlights the significance of timely regulatory oversight in maintaining aviation standards.
Passengers are advised to monitor official communication channels for updates on refunds, alternate travel arrangements, and baggage delivery. Experts say that timely completion of refunds and proactive support are critical for mitigating dissatisfaction and preventing further operational bottlenecks in the coming days.
The government’s directives indicate a zero-tolerance approach toward passenger inconvenience during operational failures. With refund timelines set and proactive support mandated, the next few days will determine how quickly IndiGo can stabilize operations and restore confidence among its customers.
