The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has held IndiGo responsible for the widespread flight cancellations that have disrupted air travel across India, citing the airline’s failure to implement revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations.
The regulator, on Friday, said the carrier did not complete necessary preparations under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), triggering large-scale cancellations since late November 2025.
The DGCA highlighted that IndiGo struggled to accurately forecast crew availability, conduct mandatory training, and adjust rosters despite being notified of Phase-II FDTL norms well in advance. In a review meeting held after the disruptions, the airline admitted to “significant planning and assessment gaps” in executing the new rules.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has, meanwhile, reassured passengers that safety and convenience are the government’s top priority.
Speaking to News18, he said, “People are our top priority. How much fine will be imposed will be defined following the inquiry. But let me assure passengers, action will be taken.”
The regulator noted that these lapses caused cascading delays, affecting thousands of travellers and raising questions about IndiGo’s operational readiness and internal oversight. A four-member DGCA committee has been set up to review the situation, examine systemic failures, and assess the airline’s compliance with regulatory directives.
In response to the ongoing disruption, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has temporarily suspended FDTL rules to stabilise operations without compromising safety. Authorities expect partial normalisation of schedules by Saturday, with full resumption of services within three days.
Passengers will receive real-time flight updates online, automatic refunds for cancelled flights, and hotel accommodation if stranded. Senior citizens and differently-abled travellers will receive special assistance, including lounge access, refreshments, and essential services.
A 24/7 Civil Aviation Control Room has been activated to monitor flight operations, coordinate corrective measures, and ensure swift resolution of issues.
The Centre has also launched a high-level inquiry to determine accountability, identify operational gaps at IndiGo, and recommend measures to prevent future disruptions. Passenger welfare, safety, and convenience remain the administration’s highest priorities, with ongoing coordination between airlines and regulators to restore smooth air travel, it has stated.
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