New Delhi, December 5, 2025 – In a sharp critique of the Modi government's economic policies, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday blamed the central administration for the ongoing operational meltdown at IndiGo, India's largest airline, terming it the "cost of this Govt’s monopoly model."
Gandhi's remarks came as IndiGo grappled with its fourth consecutive day of mass flight cancellations, affecting hundreds of flights and stranding thousands of passengers across major airports in the country. The disruptions, primarily attributed to crew shortages and scheduling issues, have led to widespread chaos, with travelers facing delays, rerouting hassles, and inadequate support from the airline.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi highlighted the human cost of the crisis, stating: "IndiGo fiasco is the cost of this Govt’s monopoly model. Once again, it’s ordinary Indians who pay the price - in delays, cancellations and helplessness. India deserves fair competition in every sector, not match-fixing monopolies." The post, which garnered over 8,000 likes and nearly 2,000 reposts within hours, also referenced Gandhi's broader advocacy for a "New Deal for Business" that prioritizes fair play over oligarchic control.
IndiGo, which commands over 60% of India's domestic aviation market share, has been under fire for the scale of the disruptions. Reports indicate that nearly 400 flights were cancelled on Thursday alone, with the airline citing "operational constraints" as the reason. Passengers at hubs like Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport described scenes of frustration, with long queues, limited refunds, and alternative travel arrangements falling short.
Gandhi's intervention underscores a recurring theme in his opposition rhetoric: the alleged favoritism towards crony capitalists and the erosion of competitive markets under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. He argued that unchecked dominance by a single player like IndiGo stifles innovation and leaves consumers vulnerable to systemic failures. "India deserves fair competition in every sector," he emphasized, drawing parallels to other industries where he claims monopolistic practices have harmed ordinary citizens.
The aviation sector has long been a flashpoint for regulatory debates in India. IndiGo's rapid expansion, fueled by aggressive fleet growth and route acquisitions, has been credited with democratizing air travel but criticized for creating a near-monopoly. Competitors like Air India and SpiceJet have struggled with financial woes and reduced operations, further consolidating IndiGo's position. Aviation experts note that while government policies like the UDAN scheme aimed to boost regional connectivity, they have inadvertently amplified the risks of over-reliance on one carrier.
As of Friday evening, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had not issued an official response to Gandhi's allegations or the escalating passenger complaints. IndiGo, in a statement earlier this week, apologized for the inconvenience and promised compensatory measures, including vouchers and rebooking options, but travelers reported inconsistent implementation.
The episode risks amplifying calls for antitrust scrutiny in India's skies, especially ahead of the winter travel peak. With the Lok Sabha session underway, Gandhi's post could spark parliamentary debates on aviation reforms, echoing his party's demands for greater transparency in sector allocations and competition safeguards.
This is a developing story, and further updates on government interventions or IndiGo's recovery plans are awaited.
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