Go First Crisis: DGCA Approves Plan for Airline to Resume Flights With Conditions

Go First’s resuming plan has been authorized by India’s aviation regulator, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), although with a few restrictions, authorities said on Friday. The aviation watchdog said that, subject to certain requirements, it has cleared the airline’s intention to resume operations with 15 aircraft and 114 daily flights.

Due to problems with the Pratt & Whitney engines on its Airbus A320 NEO aircraft, Go First, formerly known as Go Airlines, was forced to cease operations and file for bankruptcy in early May 2023.

Go First may begin operating flights, according to the DGCA, but it must first meet all the conditions or possess an air operator certificate. Additionally, the airline must maintain the airworthiness of the operational aircraft.

The aviation regulator said, “Any change in the company that has an impact on the resumption plan submitted by the resolution professional shall be promptly notified to the DGCA.” The airline said earlier on Thursday that all of its flight operations had been canceled, at least till July 23, 2023.

The airline in trouble presented its resurrection plan to the oversight body Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) earlier in June, intending to resume operations as soon as possible.

Since May 3, Go First’s planes have been grounded, causing several issues for passengers. The airline was grounded after deciding to file for bankruptcy earlier this year before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had already imposed a moratorium and appointed an Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) on May 10, 2023. On June 9, Shailendra Ajmera was chosen by the Committee of Creditors (COC) to serve as the Resolution Professional (RP) for Go First. The NCLT subsequently approved this decision.