Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T R B Rajaa has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to press IndiGo into deploying Airbus A320 aircraft on intra-state routes between Chennai–Thoothukudi and Chennai–Tiruchy.

In a post on X, Rajaa said all IndiGo flights on these routes consistently operate at full capacity, yet passengers remain confined to smaller ATR aircraft, which he described as “horrendous” and unsuitable for a state central to India’s economy. He argued that while ATRs may suffice for tier-three connectivity, Tamil Nadu attracts a large volume of business travellers who face uncomfortable, hot and crowded flights.

Highlighting frequent complaints, the minister pointed to poor air-conditioning, turbulence-prone aircraft, and hard landings that have led many regular passengers to avoid these services. “Opening swanky new airports is futile if larger, more stable aircraft are deliberately kept out,” he stated.

Rajaa further called the situation “gross negligence and wanton disregard” for travellers, especially in light of the high fares charged, and appealed to the Centre and IndiGo to take corrective action.