Go First Extends Flight Cancellations Till July 30 Due to Operational Reasons

New Delhi: Go First Airline, which has been grounded since early May, has announced another extension of flight cancellations until July 30. The airline cited operational reasons for the cancellations and apologized for any inconvenience caused. On May 2, Go First cancelled its flights and filed for voluntary bankruptcy with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The airline attributed the grounding to delays from the US-based engine maker, Pratt & Whitney, in meeting their obligations, which affected a portion of its fleet.

Due to operational reasons, Go First flights until 30th July 2023 are cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and request customers to visit https://t.co/FdMt1cRjeD for more information. For any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact us. pic.twitter.com/kF7gwGFjRD

— GO FIRST (@GoFirstairways) July 28, 2023

However, there’s good news for Go First as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conditionally allowed the airline to resume its operations. The DGCA permitted Go First to operate 15 aircraft and 114 daily flights, pending availability of interim funding and approval of the flight schedule by the regulator. The airline has already started handling flights from Mumbai, which are required to ensure the aircraft are operation-ready after a long grounding period.

With approximately 4,200 employees, Go First reported total revenue from operations at ₹4,183 crore in the financial year 2021-22. During the period of grounding, there were reports of increased pressure on airfares, particularly on select routes where Go First had a significant presence.

The resumption of Go First’s operations brings hope for passengers and the aviation industry, and the airline aims to gradually restore its flight services after overcoming the challenges posed by the grounding and financial difficulties.