Anger mounts at Mumbai airport amid prolonged IndiGo cancellations and delays

Anger and frustration reigned supreme at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport CSMIA as the IndiGo crisis entered its third day Weary fliers some of whom had been standing at the airlinersquos counter outside Terminal 1 for more than 24 hours expressed feelings of abject helplessness amid cancellations and delays which are likely to persist for a weekThough IndiGo did not issue a statement mentioning the exact reason for the situation middayrsquos sources say it is a consequence of the Flight Duty Time Limitations implemented by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on November 1 and stated that even the airlinersquos officials are unsure when the matter will be resolvedA flyer has a heated exchange with a staffer at the IndiGo counter outside Terminal 1 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Thursday PicsMadhulika Ram KavatturThe new rules increase the weekly rest period for pilots from 36 hours to 48 hours and limit landings at night from six to two impacting the crew rostering of the airline which accounts for almost 65 per cent of Indiarsquos domestic aviation marketPassengers in a fixThe IndiGo crew have been facing severe backlash from passengers with sources inside the airport telling midday that some fliers have been getting physically aggressiveA flier has a moment of despairSayantani Sarkar who was standing at T1 told midday ldquoMy relative needs to reach Hyderabad urgently because of a legal obligation IndiGo first cancelled our flight on the night of Wednesday December 3 and rebooked us a flight for the 4th Now they have cancelled that flight as well When I asked them about the possibility of an alternative flight the crew member at the counter replied rudelyrdquoSarkar and the crew member were seen arguing loudly with the crew calling the airport security to handle the situation Both sides alleged that the other one spoke improperly with themWounded emotionsThe busy IndiGo counter outside Terminal 1 of CSMT Airport on Thursday PicsMadhulika Ram KavatturNot all passengers had screaming matches with the crew many silently fought back tears Chandigarh resident Karishma Sharma her husband Ravi and their toddler had come to Mumbai for an important meetingHowever after receiving the news that Karishmarsquos motherrsquos health had taken a turn for the worse the Sharmas tried to rush back home ldquoOur flight had been cancelled and we only got to know about this when we reached the airport We were first sent a message about a delay which we were okay with After we checked in online reached the airport and talked to the desk staff the final blow was dealtrdquoKarina Ostwal flier who was due to be engaged on FridayRavi added ldquoIf we want we can start screaming and make a scene but this wouldnrsquot be to anyonersquos benefit The airline is unable to help us With every passing hour new levels of chaos are being reachedrdquoRaised faresPramod Vishwakumar who had to travel to Udaipur with his wife due to a personal emergency paid Rs 22000 for two roundtrip tickets He said ldquoThey havenrsquot told me that my flight was cancelled or delayed but neither are they confident that the flight will not be delayed or cancelled We are in a very peculiar state where we canrsquot be angry nor can we be relievedrdquoSayantani Sarkar relative of flierOfficial Speakmidday contacted IndiGo but received no reply by press time While the official number of cancelled flights has not been released 80plus flights have certainly been affectedFlight cancelledPicIstock1 Airlines are required to refund tickets in case one is unwilling to travel on their alternate or the subsequent flight or on another airlinersquos flight2 Airlines are bound to provide fliers with alternate travel opportunities at no additional cost if they so desire3 You will not be entitled to any compensation in case you donrsquot accept alternate travel arrangements offered by the airline or when the cancellation occurs due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the airline4 If you have already reported at the airport to undertake journey on original flight and are waiting for the alternate flight the airline is bound to provide you meals and refreshmentsWhat airlines owe you for this messFor delays under 24 hours passengers are entitled to meals and refreshments at airportsFor delays over 24 hours passengers are entitled to hotel accommodations with transfersThese are only applicable in conditions that are not caused due to extraordinary circumstances118 flightsCancelled in Mumbai on December 4 Sources said this was because of operational reasonsDec 2Day crisis began