Crisis-hit airline Go First has suspended the sale of tickets May 15 and is working to refund or reschedule bookings for future dates.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday asked cash-strapped airline GoFirst to refund passengers who have booked tickets for cancelled or suspended flights.
The DGCA’s statement comes after the Wadia Group-owned airline filed a voluntary insolvency petition citing a severe cash crunch.
“DGCA has examined the response of Go First and has issued an order under the prevailing regulations directing them to process the refunds to passengers as per the timelines specifically stipulated in the relevant regulation,” it said.
The civil aviation regulator had earlier issued a show case notice to the airline, asking about its sudden decision to suspend operations.
While announcing that it had filed for bankruptcy, Go First said it had temporarily suspended flights till May 5, 2023, to figure out its further course of action, based on the NCLT hearing.
However, Go First has also intimated that it has suspended the sale of flight tickets till May 15. As the future of the airline remains uncertain, DGCA directed the airline to process the refunds for passengers who had booked tickets for travelling on a future date.
DGCA said it is committed to minimizing passenger inconvenience in view of the abrupt decision by Go First to suspend their scheduled operations without any prior intimation.