Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge took a pointed dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the massive flight cancellations by IndiGo across India, which have disrupted air travel and sparked widespread passenger frustration. Kharge’s remarks came amid rising political criticism of the government’s handling of the aviation crisis.

Addressing reporters, Kharge referenced a past comment by the Prime Minister in which he had suggested that even people wearing simple Hawai chappals could fly, highlighting the government’s push for accessible air travel. “Today, Hawai chappals are flying—at airport officials,” he quipped, using humor to underline the chaos faced by passengers at crowded airports. Kharge’s remark encapsulated the public’s anger over long delays, stranded travelers, and operational mishaps across the airline’s network.

Kharge also alleged that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has “fallen into a trap of duopoly” and criticised the government’s lack of accountability. “The lack of response from IndiGo and the absence of responsibility from the government is hurting citizens more than anything else,” he said, pointing to systemic issues in India’s aviation sector that are exacerbated by insufficient oversight of major carriers.

The comments came as Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu addressed the ongoing IndiGo crisis in the Rajya Sabha. The minister clarified that the operational disruptions were linked to IndiGo’s internal crew rostering and planning, and not due to the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS). Emphasising passenger safety, Naidu reassured lawmakers that “there will be no compromise on safety” and highlighted the regulatory framework in place under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations.

“For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) exist. Airline operators must adhere to these rules. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been conducted, and technology upgrades continue in the sector,” the minister said, asserting that the government aims to maintain global standards for India’s aviation sector.

Answering questions from Rajya Sabha members, including M Thambi Durai who raised concerns over long hours stranded at airports and high fares, Naidu expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. He added that over five lakh PNR cancellations had been recorded and ₹569 crore had been provided in refunds to affected travelers. The government has also capped fares, introduced four pricing slabs, and taken strict action against airlines that violated fare regulations, attempting to curb unreasonable fare hikes during the crisis.

The political row escalated amid continued delays and cancellations across IndiGo’s network, which have left passengers stranded nationwide. The DGCA, in response to the disruptions, issued a Show Cause Notice to IndiGo on December 6, citing large-scale operational failures and non-compliance with regulatory norms. The airline requested additional time to respond, citing operational constraints linked to the size of its network and multiple unavoidable factors contributing to the delays.

After reviewing IndiGo’s request, the DGCA granted a one-time extension for the airline’s Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer to respond, but made clear that no further extensions would be permitted. The revised deadline was set for 6 PM on December 8, underscoring the regulator’s insistence on timely accountability.

Kharge’s critique, couched in humor, also highlighted deeper concerns over the government’s regulatory oversight. He suggested that a lack of intervention in duopolistic tendencies in the airline industry has left passengers vulnerable. India’s aviation sector is dominated by a few major players, and disruptions in one airline’s operations ripple across the country, affecting thousands of travelers daily. The minister’s comments reflected growing public discontent over these structural issues, amplified by IndiGo’s recent week-long operational collapse.

The Prime Minister’s earlier remarks about air travel accessibility and the “Hawai chappals” metaphor had been widely circulated, symbolizing aspirational growth in the civil aviation sector. Kharge’s retort turned the metaphor on its head, using it as a satirical lens to critique the government’s handling of the current crisis and highlight the disconnect between political messaging and ground realities at airports.

As the situation continues to unfold, passengers remain cautious, and airlines are under pressure to restore normal operations swiftly. The government, through the DGCA and the Civil Aviation Ministry, has reiterated that safety remains paramount and that regulatory action will continue to ensure passenger protection. Meanwhile, political leaders like Kharge are using the crisis to call for greater accountability and structural reforms in India’s civil aviation ecosystem.

The IndiGo episode serves as a reminder of the operational and logistical challenges facing India’s rapidly growing aviation sector. It also reflects how political figures leverage public grievances to critique governance, accountability, and regulatory effectiveness, with Kharge’s “flying Hawaii slippers” comment quickly becoming a symbol of passenger frustration and the political discourse surrounding airline regulation.

In conclusion, while IndiGo works to restore full operations and passengers await refunds and rescheduled flights, political commentary underscores broader concerns about airline regulation, government oversight, and the need for systemic reforms to prevent such crises from recurring in the future. Kharge’s sharp and humorous criticism captures both public sentiment and the urgent demand for better governance in India’s aviation sector.