Debt-Laden Go First Extends Flights Cancellation Till July 31; How To Claim Refunds

Bankrupt low-cost carrier, Go First airline has extended the cancellation of its flights till July 31, 2023, citing operational issues as the reason. Go First has not operated its flights since early May this year after it opted for insolvency proceedings due to illiquidity in its financial books. Go First is not only struggling with cash crunch but is also facing a shortage of spare parts and engines, something that the airline blamed American engine maker Pratt & Whitney (P&W) for.

Go First tweeted saying, "Due to operational reasons, Go First flights until 31st July 2023 are cancelled." The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused by the flight cancellations.

Also, the airline acknowledged that the flight cancellations might have disrupted passengers' travel plans and hence it announced that they are committed to providing all the assistance they can.

"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," Go First concluded in the tweet.

Go First started to cancel its flights from May 3, and then followed a series of cancellations. But the airline industry was shocked when Go First filed for a nsolvency resolution process on May 10.

At present, the airline is sitting on a debt of Rs 6,521 crore from financial creditors such as Central Bank of India Ltd, Bank of Baroda Ltd, IDBI Bank Ltd, Axis Bank Ltd, and Deutsche Bank AG.

Last month, the airline's committee of creditors in their first CoC meeting resolved to appoint Shailendra Ajmera as the Resolution Professional ("RP") of the company. The appointment was approved by the NCLT on June 15 as well.

Those passengers who have booked flights directly through the Go First website or application or from their counter can file for the claims through two methods.

First Method:

Step 1: Visit the claims website: https://www.gofirstclaims.in/claims/

Step 2: Create a new account (if you don't already have one) by clicking on the link "Create account" button >> Fill all the necessary details >> Choose Form B >>

Step 3: Accept privacy policy terms and conditions >> Click the sign-up button

Step 4: After the creation of an account, use the login credentials on the claims website to login

Step 5: Fill in all the details in the form including bank account details

Step 6: Attach all the proof documents to prove the existence and non-payment of claim; you may attach more than 1 document to substantiate the proof of claim

Step 7: Print the form and put your signature

Step 8: Upload the duly signed form on the same page

Step 9: Click the "Submit" button

Second Method: To claim your refund, a passenger can also send a physical copy of claim form B to Shailendra Ajmera, Resolution Professional, Andheri East, Mumbai.

However, the airline also directed that individuals who have booked tickets indirectly through travel agents or aggregator websites (like MMT, Goibibo, Cleartrip, Easytrip, Travel boutique, Air IQ, Paytm, IRCTC etc.) need not file claims with Go First directly. Travel agents and aggregator websites to file consolidated claims on their behalf.