Varanasi: Budget carrier IndiGo issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible flight delays and cancellations due to low visibility and dense fog conditions over Varanasi. The airline said adverse weather could continue to impact flight operations, affecting arrivals and departures.

In a statement, IndiGo said it is closely monitoring weather conditions and aligning operations to ensure passenger safety remains its top priority. Travellers were advised to check flight status via the airline’s official website or mobile app before leaving for the airport.

The airline added that its teams across the network are fully prepared to assist passengers at every stage of their journey and expressed hope that improving weather conditions would help restore normal operations at the earliest.

CCI orders probe into IndiGo flight disruptions

Earlier in the day, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) decided to launch an inquiry into flight disruptions at IndiGo, taking cognisance of information filed against the airline. The disruptions earlier this month, triggered by an IndiGo operational crisis, had caused widespread inconvenience to passengers across multiple routes.

“The Competition Commission of India has taken cognisance of Information filed against IndiGo in the context of the recent flight disruptions witnessed in the aviation sector, across various routes,” the CCI said in a press release. “Based on the initial assessment, the Commission has decided to proceed further in the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002,” it added.

CEO says operations stabilised

Amid the developments, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers told employees that the airline has emerged stronger after a challenging period, asserting that “the worst is behind us” as operations stabilised and the carrier restored its network to 2,200 flights.

In an internal communication, Elbers praised employees across functions for standing united during the disruptions. “Dear IndiGo colleagues, through the storm, we are finding our wings again. The worst is behind us. These last two weeks have been very challenging for all of us,” he said, thanking pilots, cabin crew, airport staff, operations control and customer service teams.

Referring to measures taken since December 9, Elbers said IndiGo had stabilised operations and rapidly rebuilt capacity. “After that, we restored our network to 2200 flights today. Given our scale and complexity, recovering from such a situation in a short time is a testament to our teamwork and the strength of our operating principles,” he noted.

Civil Aviation Ministry steps in

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said it took swift and decisive steps earlier this month to address the disruption caused by the IndiGo operational crisis and to ensure passengers did not face continued inconvenience.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu told Parliament that the crisis stemmed from crew rostering and internal operational planning, which fall under the airline’s day-to-day management responsibilities. He added that detailed consultations have been held with all stakeholders on Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) guidelines, stressing that there would be no compromise on aviation safety.

The developments come as IndiGo continues efforts to normalise operations while facing regulatory scrutiny and weather-related challenges impacting flight schedules.

ANI