The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken a proactive step in response to ongoing flight cancellations and delays by Vistara, directing the airline to submit daily reports on these disruptions. The civil aviation ministry is also closely monitoring the situation, particularly concerning non-availability of pilots leading to operational challenges for Vistara.
Daily Reports and Monitoring
DGCA has mandated Vistara to provide daily updates on flight cancellations and delays, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. This measure aims to ensure transparency and accountability in managing the disruptions faced by passengers.
Concerns and Causes
The flight disruptions stem from a combination of factors, including crew unavailability, operational issues, and reportedly, pilots’ discontent over new contracts. The introduction of new contracts, part of Vistara’s merger process with Air India, has triggered concerns among pilots regarding changes in their pay structure.
Passenger Facilitation and Inconvenience
Amid these disruptions, the priority remains minimizing inconvenience to passengers. The regulator and the civil aviation ministry are keen on ensuring that Vistara complies with DGCA norms, especially regarding passenger facilitation during flight cancellations and delays.
Impact on Operations
Vistara’s decision to temporarily reduce flight operations underscores the severity of the situation. The airline has been forced to cancel numerous flights due to crew shortages, affecting its ability to maintain regular flight schedules.
Mitigation Measures
In response to the challenges, Vistara has taken steps such as deploying larger aircraft on select routes and adjusting flight frequencies to manage passenger demand. These measures aim to maintain connectivity and accommodate affected passengers to the best extent possible.
Ongoing Monitoring and Expectations
With flight cancellations expected to rise further, ongoing monitoring by regulatory authorities is crucial. Passengers and stakeholders will be looking for swift resolution and effective management of the disruptions to ensure minimal impact on travel plans and passenger experience.
