IndiGo Confirms Stable Operations as DGCA's Temporary Pilot Norm Relaxations Conclude
Over a month after experiencing significant disruptions in its flight schedule, IndiGo announced on Tuesday, February 10, that it is maintaining an optimal staffing level to ensure smooth and stable operations across its network. This statement coincides with the conclusion of temporary relaxations in pilot duty norms granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to the country's largest airline.
Background of the December Flight Disruptions
The massive operational disruptions that affected IndiGo in early December were attributed to multiple factors. These included inadequate regulatory preparedness, deficiencies in system software support, and shortcomings in the management structure and operational control within the airline. As a consequence, the aviation watchdog imposed a 10 per cent reduction in the carrier's winter schedule flights.
Between December 3 and 5, IndiGo was forced to cancel a staggering 2,507 flights. This turmoil also impacted its market dominance, with its domestic market share declining to 59.6 per cent in December from 63.6 per cent in the previous month. The airline typically operates approximately 2,200 flights daily.
Regulatory Oversight and Corrective Measures
In response to the crisis, the DGCA approved certain relaxations in the implementation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. These exemptions were valid until February 10 and were designed to aid the airline's operational stabilization. By January 20, the regulator reported that sustained oversight and corrective actions had successfully stabilized IndiGo's operations.
The DGCA confirmed that the airline now possesses an adequate number of pilots to comply with the new flight duty norms without further disruptions. Specifically, the watchdog noted there were 2,400 Pilots in Command (PICs) against a requirement of 2,280, and 2,240 First Officers compared to a requirement of 2,050.
Airline and Government Statements
An IndiGo spokesperson affirmed the company's commitment, stating, “As assured to the regulatory authorities earlier, we are maintaining an optimum pool of employees, including pilots, to ensure stable operations across our network.”
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha that the airline had been granted a temporary exemption. He clarified that this exemption, valid until February 10, 2026, was from specific provisions of the FDTL regulations—namely Clauses 3.11 and 6.1.4—which pertain to night duty time for pilots and flight landings during night hours. The exemption was granted solely to support operational stabilization in the public interest.
Industry Concerns Regarding Pilot Fatigue and Safety
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has strongly emphasized the critical importance of fully implementing the revised FDTL norms without granting any exemptions. The organization argues that this is essential to effectively address pilot fatigue issues and ensure passenger safety.
In a letter to Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, FIP President C S Randhawa stated, “The importance of FDTL cannot be over emphasized and all regulatory bodies strictly follow these rules in the interest of passenger safety. The growing aviation sector in the country must ensure safety through total implementation of rules and increased oversight of the air operators. Air safety should always be non-negotiable.”
The situation highlights the ongoing balance between operational flexibility for airlines and the stringent enforcement of safety regulations designed to protect both crew and passengers in India's rapidly expanding aviation market.
