Praful Patel Calls for Deep-Pocketed Entrants in Indian Aviation After IndiGo Turmoil

Overview

• The former civil aviation minister said the sector needs large, well‑capitalized players rather than 'fly‑by‑night' operators.
• He noted India’s open licensing regime but warned aviation is complex, capital‑intensive, and drains cash flow.
• Patel cited past failures at Jet Airways, Kingfisher, and GoAir to argue for stronger corporate ownership, pointing to the Tata Group’s Air India as an example.
• Addressing last month’s IndiGo cancellations, he linked the disruption to pilot availability and Flight Duty Time Limitation rules, saying the airline could have handled it better while remaining a key market player.
• He expressed doubt that some newly licensed airlines will endure for the long term as fresh approvals for new carriers are set for 2026, with no immediate regulatory changes announced.