In India, IndiGo, the country's largest airline, faces ongoing operational disruptions following a significant increase in flight cancellations over recent days. The carrier attributes these issues to challenges in crew planning, partly resulting from the implementation of new regulations concerning pilot duty hours and rest periods. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that IndiGo has requested exemptions from certain provisions of these regulations, specifically related to Flight Duty Time Limitations and night operation restrictions, until February 10, 2026.
To manage the situation, IndiGo has informed the DGCA that they expect to fully restore operations by that date. The airline explained that the disruptions are primarily caused by misjudgments during transition phases and operational constraints during winter conditions. To minimize further passenger inconvenience, IndiGo announced it will reduce its flight operations temporarily from December 8, aiming to stabilize schedules and align with regulatory stipulations.
Regulatory Relief and Operational Challenges
The airline sought relief from some rules that limit pilot duty hours at night, including restrictions on the number of night landings per week. The DGCA indicated that the regulator is considering these exemption requests, which are aimed at addressing crew shortages and scheduling difficulties.
In its communication with the DGCA, IndiGo provided details on the reasons for the surge in cancellations, including transitional challenges in adopting the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations and winter-season operational constraints. The carrier assured authorities that corrective measures are underway to normalize operations, emphasizing its commitment to safety and compliance while managing the ongoing disruptions.
