AssetID: 55317400
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: India's Travel Meltdown Deepens as IndiGo Cancels Hundreds of Flights
Caption: India’s Travel Meltdown Deepens as IndiGo Cancels Hundreds of Flights. India is facing major travel chaos after IndiGo — the country’s largest airline — cancelled hundreds of flights following several days of severe disruption across its network - According to BBC. The carrier, which controls about 60% of India’s aviation market and operates more than 2,000 flights daily, has been hit by a shortage of pilots. The issue stems from difficulties adapting to new crew scheduling rules that require longer rest periods and limit night-time duties. Thousands of travellers have been left stranded nationwide during one of the busiest travel seasons. All IndiGo departures from Delhi have been cancelled, and the airline says full normal operations may not resume until 10 February. Beginning 8 December, IndiGo will also scale back its flight schedule to reduce further disruption. The Indian government says it is closely watching the situation, with officials criticising the airline’s handling of the crisis. Aviation regulators blame the meltdown on planning failures and have ordered IndiGo to submit an urgent plan covering crew recruitment, training and safety measures. Pilot unions are also speaking out, warning that easing the new duty-time rules would undermine safety. Meanwhile, frustrated passengers have flooded social media with complaints about poor communication and long waits without food. Even Singapore’s High Commissioner to India reported being stranded and missing an important wedding. Airports across major cities are now urging travellers to check their flight status before heading out. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,India,travel chaos,IndiGo,flight cancellations,BBC,aviation market,pilot shortage,crew scheduling rules,rest periods,night-time duties,stranded travellers,Delhi departures,February 10,reduced schedule,December 8,government monitoring,crisis criticism,aviation regulator,planning failures,crew recruitment,training,safety measures,pilot unions,duty-time rules,passenger complaints,social media,airport delays,Singapore High Commissioner,missed wedding,flight status advisories
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