Flight Ready: Go First To Resume Operations Following DGCA's Audit

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aviation regulator, has announced its intention to conduct an audit of Go First's readiness before granting permission for the troubled airline to resume flights. 

Go First, facing financial difficulties, ceased operations on 3 May and is currently undergoing voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings. 

A senior official at the DGCA revealed on Tuesday that the airline has responded to the show cause notice issued by the regulator, indicating that it is working on a plan to resume flights as soon as possible. 

In a communication sent to the staff on Tuesday, Go First stated that the DGCA would be conducting an audit to assess their preparedness. Once approved by the regulator, the airline expects to resume operations soon. The government has expressed strong support and urged the airline to commence operations promptly, as mentioned in the communication. 

Furthermore, the communication, sent on Tuesday night, assured the staff that salaries for the month of April will be credited to their accounts before the resumption of operations. It also stated that starting from the following month, salaries will be paid in the first week. 

The communication was issued by Rajit Ranjan, the Head of Operations at Go First. 

On 8 May, the DGCA issued a show cause notice to the budget carrier, citing its failure to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable operations as per the Aircraft Rules, 1937. The airline has submitted its response to the show cause notice. 

On 2 May, Go First announced the filing of a plea for voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings and the suspension of flights initially for two days, 3 and 4 May. The DGCA had issued a show cause notice to the airline for cancelling flights on those days without prior intimation. 

All Go First flights have been cancelled until 26 May. 

On Monday, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld the National Company Law Tribunal's (NCLT) decision to admit Go First's plea for voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings. The court's decision came as a response to legal petitions submitted by four lessors who were against the airline's insolvency resolution proceedings.