New Delhi, Dec 8 (PTI) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a plea seeking urgent intervention in the ongoing IndiGo flight cancellations, noting that the government had already taken steps to address the situation. The plea highlighted operational disruptions affecting tens of thousands of passengers across India, with more than 4,500 flights cancelled since Tuesday last week.

The plea was filed by an advocate who cited delays for around 2,500 flights across 95 airports, causing significant inconvenience to travelers. The petitioner sought judicial intervention to ensure passenger safety, timely refunds, and overall resolution of the crisis.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that while many people were stranded at airports, including some with urgent medical or personal needs, the government had acknowledged the situation and appeared to have taken timely steps. “We understand that lakhs of people are stranded. Maybe some people have urgent work, and they are not able to… But then the government of India has taken cognisance of the issue. Timely steps appear to have been taken. We don’t see any urgency right now,” CJI Kant remarked.

The Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene comes as IndiGo’s operational crisis entered its seventh consecutive day, with over 400 flights cancelled on Monday alone. The airline, which commands approximately 60% of India’s domestic aviation market, has faced widespread criticism for failing to prepare adequately for the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) that came into effect on November 1, 2025. These stricter regulations require airlines to provide pilots with sufficient rest, and IndiGo’s inability to comply with them is being cited as the main reason for the disruptions.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had earlier issued show cause notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and the company’s accountable manager, seeking explanations for the mass cancellations. In response to a request from the airline, the DGCA extended the deadline for submitting the response by 24 hours, until 6 pm on Monday.

Meanwhile, a similar petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court, urging the Centre to provide support for passengers affected by the cancellations. The Delhi High Court announced that the matter will be listed for hearing on Wednesday.

The ongoing IndiGo crisis has highlighted vulnerabilities in India’s aviation sector, particularly the challenges faced by the dominant carrier in adjusting to new regulatory norms. With over 4,500 flights affected in the past week alone, thousands of passengers have faced disruptions in travel plans, missed flights, and logistical complications, emphasizing the need for robust contingency planning by airlines.

Authorities and the airline continue to assure passengers that operations are gradually returning to normal, though significant delays and cancellations persist. Refunds and compensations have been initiated for affected passengers, and the DGCA continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance with aviation safety and operational standards.

The Supreme Court’s decision reflects the judiciary’s assessment that the executive and regulatory bodies are actively managing the crisis and that immediate court intervention is not required at this stage. However, the ongoing disruptions continue to draw public and political attention, underscoring the broader challenges of managing India’s growing domestic aviation network.