Hundreds of customers in MUMBAI were left uncertain about the future of their flight reservations on Tuesday when news of Go First’s bankruptcy filing came in. The troubled airline had been cancelling flights left and right in recent months, but its passengers still packed its planes because its prices were the lowest on most itineraries.
Data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) shows that Go First often reports a passenger load of 90% or more. The DGCA issued a showcause notice to Go First, requesting that the airline provide information on the measures it has taken to minimise the impact on customers whose flights were originally scheduled for May 3 and 4. In addition, beginning on May 5, the airline must begin operating flights in accordance with the DGCA-approved timetable, for which it must present a plan of action.
In a statement, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated, “It’s incumbent upon the airline to make alternative travel arrangements for passengers, so that inconvenience is minimal.”
However, passengers will find little solace in these measures. The future of its flight activities was unclear. In a press release, the airline said, “Go First anticipates and expects that once the application under section 10 of IBC is admitted, the appointed Interim Resolution Professional will sustain Go First’s operations, allowing it to serve many more passengers in the years to come.” This was in reference to the airline’s application filed under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC).
Tickets for travel after May 6 on Go First are still available, but the Travel Agents Association of India has warned its members against selling them. The airline only offered a minimal schedule of flights on Tuesday. For instance, beginning at 5pm, when the Mumbai airport began accepting flights, Go First provided nonstop service between Mumbai and both Kannur and Kochi. However, the day’s schedule of flights was scrapped for the most part.
One of the passengers was Dr. Shrirang Altekar, director of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management in Nagpur. The 7.15 a.m. flight from Pune to Nagpur didn’t go. His fare for the Go First section was Rs 4,600. He had no choice but to purchase a last-minute IndiGo ticket for Rs 9,300. On May 19th, he will have another ticket. According to the manager of Pune International Airport, all flights are cancelled through May 5th.
His fare for the Go First section was Rs 4,600. He had no choice but to purchase a last-minute IndiGo ticket for Rs 9,300. On May 19th, he will have another ticket. According to the management of Pune International Airport, all flights are cancelled till May 5th.
