The Supreme Court has refused an urgent listing of a petition seeking immediate intervention in the nationwide aviation disruption caused by large-scale flight cancellations by IndiGo Airlines. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noted that while thousands of passengers are stranded and many face medical and other urgent needs, the Central Government and aviation authorities have already begun corrective action. The Bench stated that there is currently no need for emergency judicial intervention, but left open the option to revisit the issue if conditions deteriorate.
The petition, filed as a public interest litigation by IndiGo All Passenger and Another, sought suo motu action on behalf of stranded passengers. It described the situation as a humanitarian emergency and argued that the chaos amounts to a violation of the right to life under Article 21. The petitioners submitted that seniors, children, and individuals needing urgent care were left waiting for hours without basic support, alleging inadequate notice and communication from the airline.
The widespread cancellations have been attributed to severe staffing shortages following the implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limit rules under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) 2024. The regulations, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, imposed stricter duty-hour limits and mandatory rest periods for crew to improve safety and fatigue management. Airlines have struggled to meet these requirements, causing a sharp manpower shortfall and collapse of scheduled operations.
CAR 2024 also strengthens passenger rights by requiring timely updates, meals, accommodation and compensation for avoidable cancellations and long delays. Advocates claim that the present chaos shows large-scale non-compliance and highlights the need for stronger enforcement and penalties.
Although declining emergency relief, the Court acknowledged the serious distress faced by travellers and noted ongoing government steps such as operational audits and directives to stabilise schedules. The petitioners indicated they may return to court if corrective measures prove insufficient and may seek mandatory status reports and stronger compensation rules.
Case Details:
Coram: CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Date of Order: 05 December 2025
