The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has publicly censured IndiGo for its failure to adhere to revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, an act he stated directly led to widespread flight disruptions across the country. The airline has been served a show cause notice directed at its CEO as the ministry scrambles to control the fallout faced by thousands of passengers.
Minister's Stern Accusation and Immediate Actions
Addressing the media in Pune, MoS Murlidhar Mohol did not mince words. He asserted that IndiGo was fully aware of the updated FDTL regulations but chose not to act on them. "This problem happened because IndiGo didn't pay attention to FDTL regulations. The airline had knowledge of the same but didn't act," Mohol stated. He confirmed that a formal show cause notice has been issued to the airline's Chief Executive Officer seeking an explanation for the lapses.
In a significant move to stabilise operations, the minister announced a temporary suspension of the new FDTL guidelines until February 2026. Additionally, the government has imposed a cap on airfares to prevent price gouging during the crisis. A four-member inquiry committee has been established to investigate the matter thoroughly, and its report is expected soon, which will dictate further punitive action.
Timeline of the FDTL Rollout and IndiGo's Alleged Lapse
The root of the current turmoil lies in the revised FDTL guidelines issued by the Centre last year. Airlines were initially given a deadline of June 2024 for compliance. This deadline was later extended, with a phased implementation commencing on July 1, 2025. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) enforced the rules in full from November 1 of this year.
Mohol emphasized that IndiGo, having had ample time to prepare for these changes, should have acted immediately but failed to do so. This failure in planning and resource management, according to authorities, resulted in a severe pilot shortage relative to their scheduled flights, triggering mass delays and cancellations.
Expert Criticism and Calls for Stronger Accountability
The ministry's reactive measures, however, have drawn sharp criticism from senior aviation experts. They argue that the government has effectively capitulated to airline pressure.
Sanjay Lazar, a senior aviation expert and CEO of Avialaz Consultants, accused the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) of bowing down before IndiGo. "It is shocking that the civil aviation minister put a stay on the DGCA order without indicating what Civil Aviation Rules will be applicable," he said. Lazar also blamed the DGCA for failing to monitor airlines and for approving IndiGo's increased winter schedule despite known pilot shortages.
He proposed drastic remedies, including directing IndiGo to create a Rs 200 crore compensation fund for affected passengers and reallocating some of the airline's airport slots to competitors to reduce its market dominance below 50%.
Echoing these concerns, former Pune airport director Deepak Shastri questioned the oversight mechanism. "Why didn't IndiGo, despite having ample time, adhere to the FDTL norms? And didn't the government know about it?" he asked. He also suggested that airport authorities should consider denying landing permission to IndiGo flights unless a timely take-off is assured to prevent airport congestion.
Current Status and Passenger Assurance
While acknowledging that the situation is not yet fully normalised, Minister Mohol claimed visible improvements. He provided reassurance regarding baggage handling, stating that clear instructions have been issued to ensure passengers receive their luggage within 48 hours. "All attempts are being made to fully normalise the air services," the MoS reiterated, underscoring the government's focus on ending the passenger ordeal.
The coming days will be critical as IndiGo responds to the show cause notice and the inquiry committee submits its findings, potentially leading to stricter enforcement and penalties for one of India's largest carriers.
