DGCA to decide IndiGo compensation; up to ₹900 Cr at stake

• IndiGo CEO apologized for severe operational disruptions, stating operations are now stabilized after days of cancellations.
• DGCA rules dictate compensation for cancellations due to airline-controlled reasons (e.g., crew shortages), but not for extraordinary circumstances.
• Compensation amounts vary from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 based on flight duration if cancellations are within two weeks of departure.
• The DGCA's assessment of the cause will determine if IndiGo must pay compensation, with potential payouts estimated between ₹135 crore and ₹900 crore.
• The crisis was likely caused by IndiGo underestimating pilot requirements for new FDTL norms, leading to a shortage of legally available pilots.

Why It Matters: It clarifies when airlines must compensate passengers for flight disruptions.