Many Indigo Flights Delayed After Mass Sick Leave By Crew: Report

The aviation regulator has sought an explanation from the airline over the massive delays.

New Delhi:

IndiGo airline’s operations were affected across the country with several of its flights facing delays due to the non-availability of crew members. Only 45 per cent of IndiGo flights were able to operate on time on Saturday, showed a data by the Union Aviation Ministry.

A significant number of crew members took sick leave and went for Air India’s recruitment drive, reported Press Trust of India. “The phase-2 of Air India’s recruitment drive was conducted on Saturday and majority of IndiGo’s cabin crew members who took sick leave went for it,” an industry official told the news agency.

The aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation or DGCA, has sought an explanation from the airline over the massive delays.

“Directorate General of Civil Aviation has taken strong cognizance against IndiGo and sought a clarification/ explanation behind the massive flight delays nationwide,” a DGCA official told news agency ANI.

Several IndiGo flights across the country delayed after the non-availability of crew members. pic.twitter.com/8km8evAQY1

— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2022

IndiGo is yet to issue a statement on the reason behind the delays. However, it responded to several passengers on Twitter who complained about the hold up.

@IndiGo6E one of the worst experience you have provided your worst staff who was not helping at all your flight is delayed you are not helping a girl stranded at a airport @DGCAIndia please assist us

— Adarsh Kumar Jha (@AdarshKumatJha1) July 3, 2022

We regret the experience, Sir. The air conditioning is powered by engines. As soon as the flight takes off, A/c kicks in. Further, we’ve noted your feedback. ~Keshav

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) July 3, 2022

The budget carrier operates more than 1600 flights – domestic and international –  on a daily basis, more than half of which were delayed on Saturday.

 Discontent has been simmering among the employees of the country’s biggest airline over continued pay cuts imposed at the beginning of the pandemic.