New Delhi: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Monday addressed the ongoing IndiGo crisis in the Rajya Sabha, saying the issues faced by passengers were linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning, and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS).

The Aviation Minister emphasised that "there will be no compromise on safety".

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Naidu stated that stringent Civil Aviation Requirements (CARS) exist to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations.

"For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict Civil Aviation Requirements (CARS) are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country," he said.

The Minister Naidu explained that the problems at IndiGo were related to crew rostering and internal operational planning, which the airline is responsible for managing on a day-to-day basis.

The opposition has been attacking the government over the IndiGo flight disruptions and blaming it for the "unprecedented crisis".

Naidu also said that extensive consultations had been conducted with all stakeholders on the Flight Time Limitations (FTTL) guidelines, reiterating that there would be no compromise on safety. Naidu stressed that the government was treating the situation with utmost seriousness and cautioned, “If there is non-adherence by any operator, we will take very strict action.” He also noted the government’s broader push to bring more players into the aviation sector.

Responding to a question from Rajya Sabha member M. Thambi Durai, who raised concerns about passengers being stranded for long hours and paying exorbitant fares, the Minister expressed regret over the inconvenience caused.

Aviation Minister Naidu said, “Over five lakh PNR cancellations had been recorded, and Rs 569 crore had been provided to affected passengers. The government has capped fares and created four pricing slabs, taking strict action against non-compliance, and has previously acted to curb unreasonable fare hikes.”

The Congress had earlier claimed that the ongoing IndiGo chaos was not an accident but the direct outcome of the BJP government's "relentless push to manufacture a duopoly in the sector".

Over 250 IndiGo flights were cancelled from Delhi and Bengaluru airports on Monday as the disruptions in the crisis-hit airline's flight operations entered the seventh day, sources said.