The cash-strapped Go First airline, which is undergoing insolvency resolution proceedings, has cancelled all flights until May 28 due to operational reasons. The airline has previously announced the removal of flight operations until May 26.
We regret to inform you that Go First flights have been cancelled due to operational reasons. We apologise for inconvenience caused by the flight cancellations. When completed, a full refund will be issued to the original payment method. We acknowledge that the flight cancellations may have disrupted your travel plans and we are dedicated to providing all the assistance we can provide. As you are aware, the company has filed an application for immediate resolution and revival of operations. We will be able to resume bookings shortly, the airline said in a statement.
The airline, which has stopped flying since May 3, recently expressed hope that it is working on a plan to resume operations at the earliest. The airline is undergoing insolvency resolution proceedings on May 10, following the acceptance of its voluntary plea by the National Company Law Tribunal. Some lessors have vowed never to take back aircraft leased by them, but there have been opposition from the airline insolvency case.
The airline, the Civil Aviation Authority, had asked the airline to compensate passengers who had booked tickets for cancelled flights. Passengers have been banned from purchasing airline tickets. According to reports, the airport regulatory agency will conduct an assessment of Go First's readiness to resume operations.
Go First CEO Kaushik Khona has said April salary will be credited prior to the company's start of operations.
The DGCA intends to conduct an audit of the cash-strapped airline to assess its readiness to resume operations. The audit will look at the airline's readiness and compliance with international laws. The PTI has also asked the airline to submit a complete plan for resuming operations, including details on the availability of operational planes and pilots, within 30 days.
Go First attributed its financial difficulties to engines produced by Pratt Whitney. The airline's financial difficulties are said to be due to concerns with these engines.