India's largest airline, IndiGo, is navigating a significant operational crisis, having cancelled hundreds of flights over recent days. The disruptions are linked to new pilot duty regulations and internal planning challenges, forcing the carrier to drastically reduce its daily schedule.
Operational Disruptions and Recovery Timeline
The airline, which typically operates a robust network of around 2,300 flights daily, saw its operations severely impacted. On a recent Saturday, it could only manage about 1,500 flights. While there was a slight improvement to 1,650 flights on Sunday, the scale of cancellations remains substantial. A senior company official, speaking to PTI, stated that operations are gradually stabilizing. The airline has set a target for full operational stability by December 10.
Root Cause: New Rules and Planning Gaps
The core of the problem traces back to November 1, when the second phase of revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms came into effect. These new rules reduce the number of night landings a pilot can perform. While all Indian airlines had to adapt to these regulations, IndiGo felt the impact most acutely. The official acknowledged the airline operated with a smaller pilot buffer compared to some peers, which left less room for adjustment when the new norms kicked in.
However, the official strongly rejected any notion of a pilot shortage or a hiring freeze. "Our pilot numbers are fine while we may not have the luxury of having a buffer," he clarified. He emphasized that the meltdown resulted from a combination of several simultaneous issues and described the situation as a "learning experience." A full root cause analysis is underway to determine the exact planning lapses.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Fog Season Preparedness
The widespread disruptions have drawn sharp regulatory attention. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and Accountable Manager Isidro Porqueras, demanding an explanation for the operational breakdown.
Looking ahead, the airline asserts it is prepared for the challenging winter fog season. The official expressed confidence, stating IndiGo has an adequate number of both aircraft and pilots to manage operations smoothly during this period. The coming weeks will be critical for the airline as it works to restore its full schedule and regain passenger trust amidst the ongoing recovery.
