Key Points:
- IndiGo flight cancellations soar due to crew shortages, prompting DGCA to grant temporary night-duty exemptions for pilots.
- The airline admitted errors in implementing new duty rules, causing operational disruptions.
- DGCA eased rest provisions to stabilize flights, while IndiGo boosts customer support for affected passengers.
India’s aviation regulator on Friday approved IndiGo’s request for a temporary exemption from night-duty limits for pilots after more than 400 IndiGo flight cancellations left passengers stranded nationwide for up to three days.
DGCA Clears Exemption as Cancellations Mount
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation granted the exemption through Feb. 10 as IndiGo continued to face severe crew shortages and schedule disruptions. The airline, which operates about 2,300 flights a day, has been canceling services to stabilize operations.
IndiGo’s on-time performance dropped to 8.5 percent Thursday, deepening delays across major airports. Long lines and baggage pileups were reported in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai.
A DGCA official said the regulator acted “to prevent further operational instability,” citing representations from airlines. “This exemption is time-bound and closely monitored,” the official said.
Airline Admits Planning Errors in New Duty Rules
Senior IndiGo executives met Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and DGCA chief Faiz Kidwai on Thursday. During the meeting, the airline acknowledged “misjudgement and planning gaps” in implementing India’s revised pilot duty and rest norms that took effect Nov. 1.
Under the updated rules, pilots must receive forty-eight hours of weekly rest, up from thirty-six, and are limited to two night landings a week, down from six. IndiGo admitted that the shortage of additional crew contributed to the surge in IndiGo flight cancellations.
A company spokesperson said Friday that the exemption “will help restore our schedule while we adjust rosters to meet the new requirements.” The spokesperson added that the carrier is “working to return to normal operations as soon as possible.”
DGCA Revises Rest Provision to Stabilize Operations
The DGCA also eased another provision in the Flight Duty Time Limitations norms by allowing airlines to substitute weekly rest with leave, reversing a clause introduced last year to support pilot fatigue management.
In a communication dated Dec. 5, the regulator said the change was necessary “in view of the ongoing operational disruptions and the need to ensure continuity of operations.”
A senior aviation expert said the revision should be temporary. “While operational stability is essential, any rollback of fatigue-related protections must be carefully calibrated,” the expert said, noting ongoing concerns about pilot workload.
IndiGo’s disruptions and IndiGo flight cancellations have prompted complaints from passengers stranded at airports for hours while seeking rebookings or refunds. The airline said additional customer support teams are being deployed to handle the surge.
As the exemption takes effect, the regulator will monitor cancellations and staffing adjustments over the coming weeks.
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