Editorial

The recent spate of Indigo flight cancellations and delays, attributed to new government directives on passenger facilitation, highlights a critical flaw in policymaking: the divorce of good intent from ground reality. While the mandate for airlines to ensure boarding within stipulated times and compensate for denied boarding is undeniably passenger-centric, its abrupt enforcement without a reasonable implementation window has backfired, hurting the very citizens it aims to protect.

The government’s push for better service standards is commendable. For too long, passengers have faced inconveniences with little recourse. However, aviation is a complex ecosystem with tightly coordinated schedules, crew rotations, and aircraft deployments. Imposing a stringent new operational regime overnight, without consultation or a transition phase, was bound to cause systemic disruption. Indigo, as the largest carrier, faced the most severe impact, but the chaos ripples across the entire network, stranding thousands.

This episode underscores a persistent issue in governance: the failure to sequence reform. A sudden diktat, however well-meaning, ignores the practical challenges of implementation. Airlines needed time to rework processes, deploy additional staff, and adjust buffers in their schedules. A collaborative approach, with a clear timeline—say, a 60-90 day period for airlines to adapt their systems—would have served the public interest far better. It would have allowed for a smoother transition, minimising travel chaos while still achieving the regulatory goal.

The fallout is a lose-lose situation. Passengers suffer immediate hardship, airlines face operational and financial strain, and the credibility of both the regulator and the carriers takes a hit. The government’s role should be that of a firm but fair referee, setting the rules of the game while ensuring the playing field is ready.

In the future, regulatory changes, especially those with profound operational implications, must be introduced with foresight and phased planning. The objective is not to dilute standards but to ensure they are sustainably met. Good policy is defined not just by its intent, but by its successful execution. For the sake of India’s aviation health and the travelling public, the government must marry principle with pragmatism.

• SAS Kirmani