Govt slashes IndiGo’s schedule by 10 pc

There will be a lot fewer domestic flights this winter as the under-fire aviation ministry has decided to slash IndiGo’s schedule by 10%, doubling it from the 5% cut ordered earlier. The airline operated over 2,200 daily flights, and this cut translates into about 216 fewer flights. But in reality, IndiGo may actually operate an even lesser number of flights at about 1,800-1,900 — meaning about 500 daily cancellations — to keep operations stabilised. Union Civil Aviation Minister Mr Ram Mohan Naidu said that the ministry considers it necessary to curtail the overall IndiGo routes, which will help in stabilising the airline’s operations and lead to reduced cancellations. A curtailment of 10% has been ordered. While abiding by it, Indigo will continue to cover all its destinations as before. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned to the ministry to provide an update. An inquiry and necessary actions are underway, added the Minister, as per a report.