Stepping in after disruptions in IndiGo flight operations left thousands stranded at airports across the country last week, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said Friday that though he is satisfied with the progress made in restoring normalcy, the government will now closely monitor IndiGo operations.
Acknowledging that the civil aviation sector needs reforms, keeping passenger interest as priority, he said the challenge is to bring in more aircraft fast.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Naidu said, “Things are back to normal, all operations have stabilised and IndiGo is operating up to more than 1,950 flights. All the destinations are properly connected. So at the airport side and the passenger side, there is no problem. And for the passengers who have been affected during the peak of the crisis, issues are being addressed. To a large extent, refunds and rebookings have been closed. Since the time (given) is until December 15, that process will continue for three more days.”
“IndiGo has been one of the top performing airlines for the country for the last 20 years. They were at the top of operations: the way they have expanded operations has been very good. They have a very good knowledge of the industry. I think they are capable enough to get back on track and will do all the necessary changes required.”
“We from the Ministry will be closely watching what they give us, in the sense that we will monitor them closely. We have said that we will monitor their operations weekly and see things are going back on track,” he said.
“We have seen that within a week they have come back to near normalcy and they have got back on their feet as far as operations are concerned. Yes, there is a solution to it also. We are happy with the progress they have made,” he said.
Asked about action being taken in the wake of the crisis, Naidu said, “We are already conducting an inquiry to see who was responsible for this? Let us wait until it’s over. Based on the findings, we will make a decision.”
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On the role of the regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation, he said, “Four of the people who were looking into the operations have been sent back. They were taken from the industry for the job, but now they have already been sent back. Some action has started and in the long term also we will look into it. We will see what all has to be done, what reforms it requires. While the safety aspect is not compromised – primary responsibility is to ensure safety – we have to see that it is an organisation with a global standard… With the increase in the operations today, DGCA is a very important safety regulator organisation for us. We will treat it with that respect and we will ensure that it functions at a global standard. At the same time, we will review internally to see where reforms are required.”
On the lessons learnt from the crisis, Naidu said, “Civil aviation is a charm and a challenge too. It’s important that you stand by the people of this country, the passengers. There are a lot of expectations from the ministry… to protect passenger rights. My approach has to be around civilians. Civil aviation is civilian aviation. So we will be passenger-centric, passenger rights will be given priority. Because more people are included in this section, it’s no longer an exclusive mode of travel. People from all spectrum are associated with civil aviation, so the passenger aspect or the civilian aspect has to be brought up more strongly and their rights protected. At the same time, let the sector grow continuously.”
To a question on calls for capping airfare, he said, “We are looking at a multi-pronged approach on airfares. Here, one challenge is to bring aircraft at a faster pace to the fleet. We have a lot of orders pending and if we get more aircraft, they can operate on more routes. A multi-pronged approach is being taken by the government, right from getting more planes into the fleet, improving the leasing industry, the MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) sector being improved, and on top of all that, better monitoring happening from the government side on airfares. There will be constant communication with all stakeholders during the seasons. All these are required for having a reasonably fair network in the country.”
Asked if there was no plan to cap ticket prices, Naidu said, “We are not saying that (there will be a capping) See, globally civil aviation is a deregulated sector and the primary reason for it is to encourage more competition. We want to see that a competitive spirit is maintained in the sector. But we will also see that the passenger is not taken for a ride. We observe that what happens in the festive season is that the demand is so much but supply is limited. That’s what leads to high prices. So you allow the market dynamics to function, allow demand and supply to play their natural roles. The passenger has to benefit the most.”
