In a decisive move to address the ongoing aviation crisis, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, convened a high-level review meeting today with key officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and various airline representatives. The meeting, held against the backdrop of recent disruptions and safety concerns, resulted in several crucial decisions aimed at ensuring passenger safety and minimizing inconvenience.
24/7 War Room for Flight Refunds and Alternate Arrangements
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the establishment of a 24/7 War Room to monitor and manage the crisis effectively. This War Room, under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will focus on ensuring the full refund of canceled flights within seven days or providing alternative travel routes as per availability. The War Room will also serve as a central point of contact for passengers, with dedicated helpline numbers provided for immediate assistance.
War Room Helpline Numbers:
- Indigo Airlines:
- T2 Terminal: 7428748308
- T3 Terminal: 7428748310
- SpiceJet:
- T3 Terminal: 0124-4983410 / 0124-7101600
- 9711209864 (Contact: Mr. Rohit)
Airfare Stability to Prevent Passenger Inconvenience
In an effort to prevent exploitation and ensure fare stability, an advisory was issued to all airlines, mandating the maintenance of current fare levels. The advisory seeks to prevent any unjustified hikes in airfare that could further inconvenience passengers during this period of disruption.
Comprehensive Structural Inspections at Airports
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been directed to issue a circular to all airports, both major and minor, instructing them to conduct thorough inspections of their structural integrity. These inspections are to be completed within the next 2-5 days, with the subsequent reports submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The findings from these inspections will inform the development of enhanced safety measures and long-term policies aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Deployment of Structural Engineers for Immediate Assessments
In response to specific incidents at Delhi’s Terminal 1 (T1) and the Jabalpur airport, structural engineers from IIT Delhi have been tasked with conducting immediate assessments. The initial findings from these assessments will determine any further necessary examinations and interventions. The AAI will oversee the examination of the Jabalpur incident, ensuring a comprehensive review of the situation.
Prioritizing Passenger Safety and Convenience
Union Minister Rammohan Naidu reiterated the government’s commitment to passenger safety and convenience as the highest priorities. He emphasized that all related agencies are working tirelessly to resolve the current challenges swiftly and effectively. The Ministry is also focused on enhancing overall safety standards across all airports to prevent future disruptions and ensure a smooth travel experience for all passengers.
“The safety and convenience of our passengers are of paramount importance,” stated Naidu. “We are taking every necessary step to address the current challenges and improve our aviation infrastructure and services. The establishment of the War Room and the deployment of structural engineers are immediate measures to ensure safety and provide relief to affected passengers.”
As the situation continues to evolve, the Ministry of Civil Aviation remains vigilant and responsive, ensuring that all necessary actions are taken to safeguard the interests and well-being of air travelers across the country.
