Go First extends flight cancellations till August 11 citing 'operational reasons'

Grounded airline Go First announced on Tuesday that its flights will remain cancelled till August 11. The airline, which has been grounded since early May, announced a further extension of its flight cancellations in a tweet. "We regret to inform that due to operational reasons, Go First flights scheduled till 11th August 2023 have been cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the flight cancellations," the airline said.

Go First also issued a statement along with the tweet, where it said that the company has filed an application for immediate resolution and revival of operations and is optimistic about resuming bookings shortly. "We acknowledge the flight cancellations might have disrupted your travel plans and we are committed to providing all the assistance we can," it stated.

"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. We thank you for your patience," it added.

Due to operational reasons, Go First flights until 11th August 2023 are cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and request customers to visit https://t.co/FdMt1cRR4b for more information. For any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact us. pic.twitter.com/sdeX1Zc5zz

— GO FIRST (@GoFirstairways) August 8, 2023

The airline further informed that fliers can contact its Customer Care Centre on 1800 2100 999 or write to it at feedback@flygofirst.com in order to get more information regarding resumption of flights or other pressing matters.

Earlier on May 2, Go First cancelled its flights and filed for voluntary bankruptcy before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), alleging delays on the part of a US-based engine maker, Pratt and Whitney, for its inability to promptly meet obligations — leading to the grounding of a portion of its fleet.

DGCA has conditionally allowed the grounded airline Go First to resume its operations. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had said Go First may resume scheduled flight operations on the availability of interim funding and approval of flight schedule by the regulator. The regulator had allowed the operation of 15 aircraft and 114 daily flights.

The airline has approximately 4,200 employees, and it reported total revenue from operations at Rs 4,183 crore in the financial year 2021-22. There were reports that the grounding of the Go First flights had put pressure on airfares, particularly on select routes where it had a footprint. 

(With Agency inputs)