The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday reviewed significant operational disruptions across IndiGo’s network, which have seen 170–200 flight cancellations per day since late November.
The disruptions follow the implementation of Phase-2 of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) CAR, aimed at strengthening crew fatigue management.
IndiGo presents its challenges to DGRC
In a meeting chaired by DGCA Director General, senior IndiGo officials cited transitional challenges in crew rostering, winter-season operational constraints, and FDTL compliance as key reasons for the surge in cancellations. The airline has requested temporary operational relaxations for certain night-duty provisions for A320 flights until February 10, 2026.
IndiGo has assured the DGCA that corrective measures are underway and that stable operations will be restored by 10 February 2026. The airline also plans to reduce flights from 8 December to minimise disruption while ramping up manpower and passenger-support services at affected airports.
“As the slots are only available during night, this has resulted in further Impact on Operations. The sharp increase in duty share during night-time operations has further constrained crew availability.” IndiGo has told the aviation regulator.
Cancellations to continue for next 2-3 days: IndiGo
IndiGo also informed DGCA that “more cancellations will continue for the next 2–3 days as part of schedule stabilization efforts.”
The DGCA has directed IndiGo to submit a detailed roadmap for crew recruitment, roster restructuring, and mitigation measures, along with fortnightly progress reports. Field inspections at major airports, including Delhi’s Terminal 1, have highlighted the need for strengthened passenger-handling arrangements, it said.
DGCA said it will continue to maintain strict, real-time monitoring of IndiGo’s network performance, restoration efforts, and passenger-handling measures over the coming week.