As operational disruptions at IndiGo entered their fifth day, the Civil Aviation Ministry moved to prevent steep ticket price hikes by imposing fare caps across affected routes. The decision comes as hundreds of flights were cancelled, leaving passengers stranded at airports nationwide.

Ministry steps in to prevent “opportunistic pricing”

The ministry said it had taken note of unusually high fares being charged by some airlines during the ongoing travel disruption. Invoking regulatory powers, it ordered all carriers to follow newly prescribed fare caps until flight schedules stabilise.

According to the statement, the move aims to prevent any exploitation of travellers—especially senior citizens, students and those undertaking urgent medical travel—during the crisis. Airlines and online travel platforms will continue to be monitored through real-time fare data.

IndiGo told to clear refunds by Sunday evening

In a separate direction, the ministry asked IndiGo to ensure all refunds for cancelled or disrupted flights are processed by 8 pm on December 7. It also instructed airlines not to impose rescheduling fees for passengers whose plans were affected.

Hundreds of cancellations as pilot shortage triggers meltdown

IndiGo, which operates around 2,300 daily flights with a fleet of over 400 aircraft, has seen widespread cancellations due to a planning-related pilot shortage. Operational delays are expected to continue for several more days.

Scenes of severe inconvenience have unfolded at airports, with passengers reporting long waits, disrupted travel plans, and a lack of clarity from the airline.

IndiGo issues apology, promises gradual restoration

The airline apologised publicly, saying it understood the difficulties faced by passengers. IndiGo assured that refunds for cancelled flights would be processed automatically and added that full normalisation of domestic operations is likely between December 10 and 15, though recovery may take time due to the scale of disruption.

Minister claims crisis nearing resolution

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the situation is “on the verge of getting resolved”. He noted that major metro airports such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai had cleared most backlogs, and that IndiGo would resume operations with limited capacity before gradually increasing flights.

The Centre is preparing strong action against IndiGo after widespread disruption triggered by the airline’s handling of new pilot rest rules, according to sources. With thousands of passengers stranded and over 500 flights cancelled on consecutive days, the government is now likely to seek the removal of CEO Pieter Elbers, alongside other stringent measures.

Government weighs removal of IndiGo CEO

Sources indicate that the airline may be asked to remove its chief executive following what officials view as poor management of revised duty and rest regulations for pilots. The developments led to severe operational breakdown across airports and sparked public outrage.

Heavy penalties and flight curbs under consideration

According to officials, an unprecedented crackdown is being prepared. This includes the possibility of a hefty financial penalty on the carrier, which commands nearly two-thirds of India’s domestic aviation market.

Authorities are also evaluating whether the number of flights permitted to IndiGo should be temporarily reduced, marking what could become the toughest action taken against any airline in recent years.

IndiGo representatives were summoned by the aviation ministry on Friday evening as the government sought explanations for the crisis and measures to restore order.

African American singer and long-time India admirer Mary Millben has hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the “most influential and most important leader in geopolitics”, while urging the United States to recalibrate its approach towards India. Her remarks came during an interview where she also praised the outcomes of the recent Modi-Putin summit in New Delhi.

Millben praises PM Modi’s strategic diplomacy

Millben said the Prime Minister handled his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin with “strategic discipline”, particularly on sensitive areas such as defence and energy. She contrasted Modi’s diplomatic tone with Putin’s more direct focus on oil and defence cooperation.

According to her, the meeting reflected a “deep alliance” between India and Russia, one that should be understood within India’s growing global influence.

She emphasised that Modi’s decisions remain rooted in national interest:
“At the end of the day, the Prime Minister is going to do what is best for India.”

Calls out US approach, urges reset

Millben, who is closely connected with former US President Donald Trump’s team, criticised Washington’s recent approach to India on trade, calling it “too aggressive” and at times resembling “a bullying approach.”

She argued that such missteps have contributed to India deepening engagements with major global powers, including Russia and China.

Millben urged the US to view the Modi-Putin summit as a moment for introspection:
“Invite the Prime Minister to the United States, sit down, break bread, apologise, and repair the relationship.”

She suggested that rebuilding ties would also strengthen US interests, including efforts toward resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, adding that Modi is “the only leader who can really be a mediator.”

Modi’s global stature highlighted

Millben reiterated that PM Modi currently stands at the centre of global political dynamics:
“The Prime Minister… is to date the most influential and the most important leader in geopolitics. That’s irrefutable.”

She said Modi’s leadership and diplomatic outreach—on display during the recent summit—have “solidified his legitimacy and global confidence.”

US elections on global radar

The singer also noted that global leaders are watching the US election timeline closely, acknowledging that upcoming political developments in Washington could shape diplomatic strategies worldwide.

Millben expressed confidence in both Trump and Modi, saying their long-standing friendship could help repair ties if approached with sincerity.