Over 1000 cancelled flights in 20 days due to engine fears

Following the grounding of 14 aircrafts, Airbus A-320 neo planes powered by certain Pratt and Whitney engines, more than 1,100 flights of IndiGo and GoAir have been cancelled in 20 days between March 13 and April 2, reveals data provided by the civil aviation ministry.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had in the second week of March announced the grounding of A320 neo aircrafts citing issues relating to the safety of passengers. In February 2018, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had also imposed similar restrictions due to instances of engine failures in A320 neo engine.

The data of civil aviation ministry reveals that 776 flights of IndiGo and 336 of GoAir were cancelled in the period mentioned above. This had also resulted in discomfort to several fliers as their travel schedule had to be changed or were given refunds after they opted for cancellation of their respective tickets.

The data also reveals that as of now 11 of the total 14 aircrafts that were grounded have resumed services after changing their engines. However, these cancellations of 1,112 aircrafts were out of the total scheduled flights of around 26,000 of both IndiGo and GoAir.

Meanwhile, IndiGo in a statement, said, "During this period IndiGo operated more than 21,000 flights. Our cancellations did not exceed 3.6 per cent of our total schedule and passengers were informed well in advance. All customers were re-accommodated and assisted." However, GoAir did not reply.

The cities that were most affected by the cancellations were Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow and Hyderabad. 

Meanwhile, the DGCA earlier this week assured the Bombay high court that it is taking all precautionary steps to ensure the safety of passengers.

IN THE PAST

• Back in 1990s, A320 aircrafts operated by Indian Airlines (now Air India) were grounded due to a crash that killed 89 people.
   
• Air India's Boeing 737 was grounded due to issues in the battery.