The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday directed embattled Go First to stop the sale of tickets with immediate effect till further orders. DGCA has also issued a show cause notice to Go First under the relevant provisions of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, for its failure to continue operations in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner. DGCA said it has asked Go First to submit its reply within 15 days of the receipt of the show cause notice. Post airline’s reply in 15 days, DGCA will decide on its licence.

“In view of the sudden cancellation of flights and initiation of corporate insolvency resolution process under IBC by Go Airlines (India) Limited (Go First), DGCA has issued a show cause notice to Go First under the relevant provisions of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, for their failure to continue the operation of the service in a safe, efficient and reliable manner,” the DGCA said. “The airline operator has been asked to submit their reply within 15 days of the receipt of this notice, and further decision on the continuation of their Air Operators Certificate (AOC )will be taken on the basis of the reply submitted by them. Further, Go First has been directed to stop booking and sale of tickets directly or indirectly, with immediate effect and until further orders,” it added.

This came after the airline earlier in the day requested the National Company of Law Tribunal (NCLT) to urgently pass an order on its insolvency plea.

Earlier, the airline had suspended the sale of tickets till May 15 and has cancelled flights till May 12. The airline has filed a plea for voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which has reserved its order.