IndiGo Crisis: CCI Investigates Following Complaints; Airline Claims Operations 'Completely Stabilized'

Following widespread flight cancellations that caused significant disruptions at airports, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has announced it is considering complaints filed against IndiGo. The disruptions, which included the cancellation of hundreds of domestic flights, occurred earlier in December.

The CCI stated in a press release that it has taken cognizance of information filed against IndiGo regarding the recent flight disruptions across various routes in the aviation sector. After an initial assessment, the Commission has decided to further investigate the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.

The airline experienced widespread flight cancellations and delays primarily between December 3 and 5, which it attributed to operational and system-related challenges at several airports. IndiGo issued multiple public advisories and apologies during this period as it worked to restore normal operations and clear backlogs.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stated that the airline's operations have completely normalized, while acknowledging the difficulties passengers faced. "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, also thanking pilots, cabin crew, airport staff, operations, control and customer service teams for their dedication.

An IndiGo spokesperson later released a statement claiming that operations had stabilized. The statement said that having completely stabilized operations across the network starting December 9, 2023, with over 1,800 flights, IndiGo has been gradually adding capacity and will operate over 2,200 flights today, in line with the revised schedule.