The Centre on Friday said flight schedules are expected to stabilise by Saturday with complete normalcy likely within three days, which would be Monday.

Civil Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu, in an official statement, confirmed that a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the ongoing disruptions and that accountability will be fixed.

The Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) orders of the DGCA have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect.

Naidu justified the suspension of certain provisions of the FDTL, which are designed to ensure pilots and crew receive adequate rest.

According to the minister, the decision has been taken without compromising air safety and is aimed at assisting passengers such as senior citizens, students, patients and others who depend on timely air travel for essential requirements.

The minister said airlines had been instructed to ensure regular and accurate updates so passengers could check real-time flight statuses before leaving home.

Refunds, he added, would be issued automatically and hotel accommodation arranged for those stranded for long periods.

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