NEW DELHI, Dec 8: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent hearing to a plea seeking judicial intervention over IndiGo’s massive flight cancellations, noting that the government has already taken measures to address the disruption.
Chief Justice Surya Kant, heading a bench with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying, “It is a serious matter. Lakhs of people are stranded at the airports. We know that the government of India has taken timely action and cognizance of the issue. People may have health issues and other urgent concerns.”
The plea highlighted widespread inconvenience caused by the airline, with a lawyer stating that around 2,500 flights have been delayed, affecting passengers at 95 airports across India.
On Monday alone, IndiGo cancelled over 250 flights from Delhi and Bengaluru airports. Delhi reported 134 cancellations (75 departures, 59 arrivals), while Bengaluru saw 117 cancellations (62 departures, 55 arrivals).
The airline cited recent regulatory changes regarding pilots’ flight duty norms as the reason for operational disruptions, which have now entered their seventh day. The cancellations have drawn scrutiny from both government authorities and passengers, leaving thousands stranded nationwide.