DGCA orders IndiGo to cut 5% flights; Minister vows strict action after chaos

• DGCA ordered IndiGo to cut 5% of its planned flights on high-capacity routes for the winter season.
• The directive stems from IndiGo's cancellation of thousands of flights due to internal planning failures and new pilot rest regulations.
• Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated strict action would be taken against IndiGo for causing passenger hardship and non-compliance.
• IndiGo was instructed to issue refunds, with over Rs 750 crore already disbursed to affected passengers.
• The airline's previous aggressive scheduling model was impacted by tighter safety regulations, including increased mandatory pilot rest periods.

Why It Matters: Regulators act on IndiGo flight failures, ensuring passenger safety & airline accountability.