Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, has reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety, convenience, and operational continuity in the aviation sector. In light of recent disruptions, including post-accident checks and geopolitical airspace closures, the Minister conducted a comprehensive video conference with Airport Directors across India to strengthen preparedness and on-ground passenger support mechanisms. Emphasis was placed on real-time coordination with airlines, ensuring essential passenger amenities such as food, water, and seating, and deploying sufficient personnel to proactively manage grievances.
During a high-level review with the Chairman & Managing Director of Air India, the Minister addressed concerns surrounding operational challenges due to global airspace restrictions and enhanced safety protocols. Air India is temporarily scaling down operations and restructuring its flight schedules. The Minister directed the airline to prioritize transparent communication, swift passenger redressal, and empathetic customer service, especially during cancellations or delays. Airlines have been instructed to handle rebookings and refunds efficiently and keep passengers informed through reliable channels.
Meetings with senior leadership of SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa were also convened to assess fleet performance, safety oversight, passenger convenience, and overall communication strategy. A key outcome of these discussions was the institutionalization of periodic reviews with airlines to enhance monitoring, ensure accountability, and sustain operational resilience across the sector.
On the matter of flight safety investigations, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has formally launched a probe into the Air India crash near Ahmedabad. With support from international agencies like the NTSB and the aircraft OEM, recovery and analysis of black boxes are progressing. The Ministry stressed the importance of avoiding speculation and affirmed that decisions related to data analysis will be taken with due consideration to technical and security requirements. The investigation continues with full transparency, in line with international standards.
Minister Kinjarapu reiterated that passenger safety and comfort remain the Ministry’s highest priority. He called for collective responsibility among all aviation stakeholders to maintain operational stability and uphold public trust. As Indian aviation navigates through challenging times, the focus will remain firmly on safety, responsiveness, and a seamless passenger experience
