There has to be tough messaging: Praful Patel on IndiGo crisis

In an exclusive interview with India Today, former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel discusses the IndiGo crisis, the Centre’s decision to order a 10% cut in its flights following mass cancellations and the way ahead for the Indian aviation sector. Speaking to India Today, Patel agrees that ‘tough messaging’ is needed but cautions that ‘penal action’ must be balanced to minimise passenger inconvenience. He addresses the decline of SpiceJet to a 2% market share and defends his past ‘open skies policy’ against charges of cronyism. Patel emphasises that the ‘Indigo event’ is a reminder for better airline accountability and strengthened oversight mechanisms.