metro india news  I hyderabad

As Telangana gears up for its marquee Telangana Rising Global Summit on December 8-9, an unprecedented aviation scare with 1,000 flights cancelled due to the flight carrier IndiGo has cast a shadow over the Summit leaving Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's administration – involving cabinet ministers, senior bureaucrats, and a revved-up government machinery in a quandary.

The two-day extravaganza at the gleaming Bharat Future City, coinciding with the Congress-led government's second anniversary, aims to unveil a visionary blueprint for a $3 trillion economy by 2047. But with IndiGo's operational meltdown stranding thousands, the question on everyone's lips is: Can the stars align for this high-stakes gathering?

Yet, the buzz is tempered by dread. IndiGo, India's dominant carrier with a 65% market share, has plunged into crisis mode, cancelling over 1,000 flights in the past week – including all Delhi departures on Friday. Fares have surged astronomically – a Delhi-Hyderabad domestic ticket now rivals international jaunts. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has rolled back some rules temporarily until February 10, capping fares and ordering refunds by Sunday evening, while rivals like Air India and SpiceJet add flights to ease the strain.

For Telangana, the timing couldn't be worse. Invitations have drawn confirmations from delegates across business, sports, films, and academia, but the crisis has sparked uncertainty. In a high-review meeting, CM Revanth Reddy – who envisions parading the summit's triumphs at Davos – directed officials to liaise urgently with the Civil Aviation Ministry for Hyderabad-specific fixes.

Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, addressing a evening presser, exuded optimism: "Dates were locked months ago; this aviation hiccup is unforeseen. We've got eager RSVPs from afar, and the Centre assures swift resolution." He dangled a contingency: state-chartered flights for VIPs if push comes to shove, though he hoped it wouldn't. "We're hopeful – and prepared," Bhatti quipped.

A telling pivot came Friday evening: Organizers scrubbed panelist names from the updated agenda, leaving only session topics and timings for Day 1 and 2. The morning version had boasted specifics; this revision whispers caution amid the flux. No official word on virtual fallbacks, but insiders hint at hybrid options for outstation experts – a pragmatic nod to the skies' unpredictability.

Three-tier security blankets the venue, with 1,000 CCTV cameras, traffic diversions, and a war room humming at Praja Bhavan.  Post-summit, a public showcase from December 10-13 invites all to innovation exhibits and cultural fests. As IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers eyes normalcy by mid-December, Telangana's team holds its breath. Will Nobel minds and Bollywood sparkle touch down, or will pixels replace podiums? In this tale of ambition versus adversity, the summit could redefine resilience – or become a virtual footnote.