Government Provides Update on IndiGo Flight Disruptions; DGCA Orders 5% Curtailment of Airline’s Winter Schedule Amid Operational Crisis
The Government of India today issued a comprehensive update on the ongoing IndiGo flight disruptions, as the airline entered its eighth consecutive day of mass cancellations, with over 270 flights cancelled on Tuesday across major airports including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. In total, nearly 5,000 flights have been cancelled since the crisis began last week, prompting firm intervention from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, addressing both Houses of Parliament, assured the public that the government has taken “decisive and corrective steps” to stabilise operations and protect passenger interests.
Key Government Actions and Highlights
1. DGCA Orders 5% Reduction in IndiGo’s Winter Schedule
Given IndiGo’s inability to operate its approved schedule efficiently, the DGCA has ordered the airline to reduce daily operations by 5%. IndiGo, which was operating 2,200 flights per day this winter, must now submit a revised schedule to the regulator.
DGCA data showed that while 64,346 flights were approved for November, IndiGo operated only 59,438, cancelling 951 flights even before the current crisis escalated.
2. Cause of Disruptions: Pilot Shortage and FDTL Non-Compliance
The Ministry noted that the root cause of the disruptions was IndiGo’s failure to fully implement the second phase of the updated Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), which took effect in November. The new rules aim to reduce pilot fatigue by strengthening rest-period requirements.
IndiGo reportedly faced a pilot shortage, leading to operational instability.
3. Temporary Relaxation of Crew Roster Rules
To ease pressure on flight operations, the DGCA has temporarily relaxed certain FDTL norms, specifically those governing:
Night-duty requirements
Duties extending into night hours
Weekly mandatory rest periods
These relaxations are aimed at restoring normalcy while maintaining safety standards.
4. Refunds, Re-bookings and Passenger Support
Minister Naidu reported that the refund process is nearly complete, with over ₹750 crore already returned to affected passengers.
Re-bookings have been facilitated without additional charges, and the Ministry continues to supervise lost baggage cases and customer support measures.
5. No Prior Warning from IndiGo
Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister confirmed that IndiGo did not flag any operational concerns during a key meeting held on December 1—one day before the cancellations began.
6. Enforcement Action Underway
The DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo’s senior leadership and initiated a detailed enforcement investigation. “No airline, regardless of size, will be allowed to inconvenience passengers,” Naidu stated.
7. Measures to Stabilise Fares and Market Competition
To prevent fare spikes during the crisis, the government imposed a temporary cap on ticket prices.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen the aviation ecosystem, stating:
“Through our policies, we are encouraging more new airlines to start and operate in India. We are committed to improving connectivity, affordability and passenger comfort.”
Parliamentary Developments
During the Lok Sabha session, a brief walkout by Opposition members took place after the Speaker declined additional discussion on the IndiGo situation. The House resumed normal proceedings shortly thereafter.
Assurance to Passengers
The Civil Aviation Ministry emphasised that operations are gradually stabilising and that all relevant agencies are working to ensure passenger welfare, timely refunds, and improved reliability of flight services.
