Go First Extends Flight Suspension Until May 26, Plans a May 27 Resumption

Go First, the crisis-hit airline currently undergoing insolvency resolution, has announced an extension of its flight suspension until May 26. With ongoing legal proceedings and an uncertain future, the airline’s passengers and stakeholders find themselves in a state of limbo

Efforts to resume operations by May 27 remain uncertain due to various operational challenges and the departure of several pilots. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed Go First to cease ticket bookings, further complicating the airline’s situation.

Flight Operations Remain Suspended, May Resume on May 27

Due to operational reasons, Go First has decided to extend the suspension of its flight operations until May 26. Initially grounding its flights on May 3, the budget carrier tentatively plans to resume operations from May 27.

Due to operational reasons, Go First flights until 26th May 2023 are cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and request customers to visit https://t.co/MmBSaBFHPl for more info. For any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact us. pic.twitter.com/H9msWnsONq

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— GO FIRST (@GoFirstairways) May 17, 2023

According to some media reports, there have been indications of pilot calls from the airline’s rostering department, inquiring about their availability for operations on May 27, the absence of a business plan submitted by the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) and the departure of several pilots cast doubt on the possibility of resuming operations by the proposed date.

Must Read: Go First Ticket Cancellation Refund Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pilots Receive Calls, Business Plan Submission Delayed

According to sources, Go First’s rostering department has contacted pilots in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Delhi to inquire about their availability for operations on May 27.

However, the airline’s business plan, which has yet to be filed to the IRP, as well as the departure of multiple pilots, have cast doubt on the airline’s ability to resume operations even by May 27.

Legal Battles and Grounded Fleet

Earlier reports had suggested a potential resumption of operations on May 24, but the airline was unable to meet that deadline. Go First now faces the likelihood of multiple legal battles, including cases from lessors and vendors, limited cash availability, and frozen consortium accounts.

The airline has stated that flight cancellations until May 26 were due to operational reasons and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. Among the challenges faced by Go First is the grounding of 27 out of its total fleet of 54 aircraft.

These aircraft have been rendered inoperative due to engine issues, further complicating the airline’s ability to resume operations smoothly. With approximately half of its fleet grounded, Go First must address these technical concerns and secure sustainable operations to ensure a successful revival.