Delhi HC pulls up IndiGo over flight chaos, seeks affidavit on refunds and compensation
PTC Web Desk: The Delhi High Court on Thursday strongly reprimanded IndiGo Airlines and directed the carrier to file an affidavit detailing the refund and compensation process for thousands of passengers affected by large-scale flight cancellations in December last year.
The court specifically sought clarity on the airline’s compensation policy, questioning what would happen if passengers fail to utilise the Rs 10,000 compensation voucher within the stipulated 12-month period. “If the voucher is not used, what is the alternative relief for passengers?” the court asked.
Counsel representing IndiGo informed the court that the refund process has already been initiated and that a dedicated website has been set up to assist affected passengers with claims and related information.
The case pertains to severe operational disruptions between December 3 and 5, during which around 2,507 IndiGo flights were cancelled and 1,852 flights were delayed. The disruption caused inconvenience to over three lakh passengers across the country.
The government, while apprising the court of the action taken, said a penalty of Rs 22 crore has been imposed on the airline for the lapses. It also informed the court that a senior official has been removed from service in connection with the incident.
The Delhi High Court has now scheduled the next hearing in the matter for February 25.
- With inputs from agencies
