IndiGo Crisis: Retired DGCA Official Calls for Stronger Passenger Rights and Regulatory Oversight

New Delhi: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is facing one of its toughest challenges yet. Thousands of passengers were stranded at airports for hours following delays linked to the new FDTL regulations. To understand the crisis, the Times News Network spoke with J.S. Rawat, retired Joint Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Operations or Monopoly?
Addressing speculation, Rawat clarified that the issue was not operational, as there were no strikes or technical failures reported. “Sudden disruptions like these are usually predictable if they are operational. This was not one of them,” he noted. On accusations of monopoly, he explained, “IndiGo’s growth was based on market opportunities and strong policies. The presence of other airlines before and after IndiGo shows there is no monopoly. However, given India’s population and rising air traffic, there is room for more airlines.”

Encouraging New Airlines:
Starting an airline is capital-intensive and highly competitive. Rawat emphasized that new entrants must be well-prepared to compete against established airlines with significant market share. “The aviation industry is consumer-driven. If a company aligns with market demand, it will survive,” he said.

Why Airfares Surge During Crises:
Airfares are determined by market demand. “Just like the railways use flexible pricing for some trains, airfares rise when demand is high and fall when it drops. This is standard practice globally,” Rawat explained.

Need for DGCA Reforms:
As the airline sector grows, the DGCA must expand its manpower and infrastructure to maintain effective safety oversight. “With industry expansion, regulatory capacity must grow proportionally,” he said.

Passenger-Centric Improvements:
Rawat stressed that the primary focus should be protecting passenger interests. “No matter how much an airline expands, customer satisfaction is key to building reputation. Airlines must adopt passenger-friendly practices, and laws must be enforced effectively,” he added.

Lessons for the Future:
The airline sector is highly regulated, with procedures to handle both normal and exceptional situations. Rawat highlighted that in the current case, the courts mandated phased implementation of new rules to ensure pilot safety and flight operations were not compromised. He concluded, “It is critical for regulators to ensure airlines are fully prepared for changes. Stakeholders must learn from this event to prevent future disruptions.”

In Summary:
The IndiGo crisis underscores the need for stronger passenger rights, better enforcement of existing laws, and enhanced regulatory oversight. Only by addressing these gaps can India’s aviation sector continue to grow sustainably while ensuring passengers remain protected.