Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 7: With air travel chaos continuing for the sixth consecutive day, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture is set to summon top executives of private airlines and key officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to explain the massive disruption caused by IndiGo’s mass flight cancellations.

The committee, chaired by JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha, has taken serious note of the hardships faced by thousands of passengers stuck at airports nationwide. According to a panel member, even several parliamentarians travelling to the national capital for the Winter Session were affected by IndiGo cancellations and delays by other carriers.

Rising ticket prices amid reduced availability have further angered travellers, prompting MPs to raise the issue with the government.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, though not a member of the committee, has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) or a judicial probe into the unprecedented disruptions.

IndiGo alone cancelled more than 220 flights at Delhi and Mumbai airports on Sunday, adding to the mounting concerns as efforts to restore normal operations continue. The DGCA had on Saturday issued notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Porqueras, seeking an explanation for the crisis.

IndiGo’s parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, has set up a high-level Crisis Management Group that is meeting frequently to monitor the situation. In its statement on Sunday, the airline assured that its Board of Directors is doing everything possible to support affected passengers and ensure timely refunds.

With pressure mounting from both passengers and lawmakers, the industry now awaits accountability and swift action to bring the country’s aviation sector back on track.