Vijay Gopalan: India's airline sector a 'graveyard' amid IndiGo crisis

• India's airline sector is a "graveyard of carriers" due to structural weaknesses, according to former AirAsia India CFO Vijay Gopalan.
• IndiGo's recent 6,000 flight cancellations, affecting 9 lakh passengers, highlighted the industry's fragile foundations.
• High state taxes on aviation fuel, rupee depreciation, dollar-linked costs, and limited training infrastructure are key pressures on airline viability.
• Gopalan dismisses IndiGo's explanations for the crisis, citing a lack of accountability, and questions investor willingness given market dominance and losses.
• A 5% cut to IndiGo's winter schedule is a "balancing act"; deeper cuts could harm passengers with higher fares and fewer options, as rivals lack capacity.

Why It Matters: India's airline sector's systemic flaws threaten its stability and passenger service.