The party demands independent probe into the crisis, raps IndiGo for failing to adequately prepare for the fatigue-management regulations
NEW DELHI — The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded an immediate and independent investigation—either under the supervision of the Supreme Court or through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)—to fix accountability for the ongoing air travel crisis that has severely inconvenienced passengers nationwide.
In a statement on Monday, the CPI(M) said the government had displayed “complete disregard” for the rights and safety of air travellers. It attributed the chaos to deeper “structural distortions” in the aviation sector arising from the emergence of near-monopoly or duopoly conditions.
The party criticised IndiGo, the country’s largest private airline, for failing to adequately prepare for newly introduced fatigue-management regulations mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in compliance with judicial orders. These norms were intended to strengthen pilot rest protocols and ensure passenger safety.
“Despite having ample time, IndiGo took no meaningful steps to align with the regulations, bringing its operations to almost a standstill,” the CPI(M) said. Instead, the airline reportedly pressured the DGCA to defer implementation of the safety rules — “a move that seriously compromised aviation safety,” it added.
The disruption in IndiGo’s operations, the CPI(M) noted, created an artificial supply crunch that enabled other airlines to make “huge windfall profits,” pushing fares to levels unaffordable even in medical emergencies.
Calling the situation a “natural consequence of long-standing structural deficiencies,” the party warned that similar monopolistic trends are visible across several infrastructure sectors, “where charges of cronyism are becoming increasingly common.”
The CPI(M) also referred to emerging allegations of IndiGo’s contributions to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through electoral bonds, arguing that such claims further highlight the need for a transparent investigation.
The party urged the government to ensure strict enforcement of airfare caps to prevent airlines from exploiting disruptions.
“In view of these unseemly developments, it is imperative that an independent inquiry—either under Supreme Court oversight or by a JPC—be initiated without delay to establish accountability at all levels,” the statement said.
The aviation sector has been under mounting scrutiny in recent months, with passenger complaints, flight delays, cancellations and crew shortages reaching unprecedented levels. The CPI(M)’s demand adds to growing calls for structural reforms and regulatory accountability in the country’s rapidly expanding—but increasingly fragile—air transport industry.
