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Andhra CM Defends Aviation Minister, Blames IndiGo’s Roster Shortfalls After FDTL Rollout

He says oversight of the Union minister lies with the Prime Minister, flagging risk from IndiGo’s outsized market share.

Overview

  • Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said K Ram Mohan Naidu is answerable to Parliament and the Prime Minister, adding he would not assess a central minister’s performance.
  • He attributed the 4–5 December cancellations to IndiGo’s poor roster planning and years of under‑recruitment after enforcement of Flight Duty Time Limitation norms recommended by a parliamentary panel.
  • Naidu said the FDTL rules align with international standards to ensure adequate rest for pilots and crew, describing the changes as a safety measure.
  • The YSRCP demanded the civil aviation minister’s removal, alleging incompetence, claiming FDTL was imposed without proper review, and asserting safety lapses and sharp fare hikes during the disruption.
  • Naidu warned that IndiGo’s market share of up to roughly 65 percent concentrates system risk, and he said the Centre is working to stabilise operations.