IndiGo Faces Critical Deadline on Pilot Duty Rules
IndiGo's special exemption from enhanced flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules expires on February 10. The airline must now inform the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) this week, likely on Monday, whether it can continue operating more than 2,000 flights daily under the stricter regulations.
Potential Flight Cuts Loom
If IndiGo cannot meet the new requirements, authorities are prepared to step in. They will reduce flights to prevent a repeat of last December's operational chaos. The DGCA fined IndiGo Rs 22.2 crore for that disruption. However, pilots have dismissed this penalty as "peanuts."
Regular meetings are underway between DGCA officials and IndiGo management. The discussions focus on the airline's preparedness for the post-February 10 period. IndiGo has shared details of its pilot hiring plans with the regulator.
The airline is conducting dry runs using its scheduling software. These tests match available pilot strength with the number of planned flights. IndiGo is expected to present its final preparedness report on Monday.
Proactive Scheduling Changes
From February 1, IndiGo will begin planning crew rosters according to the new FDTL rules. The airline will no longer factor in the current exemption, which ends later in the month. IndiGo has already reduced flights until the end of the winter schedule in late March.
The airline intends to serve its entire network with these reduced flights under the new regulations. Sources indicate IndiGo may not seek any further exemptions from the rules.
Regulators on High Alert
The aviation ministry and DGCA are monitoring the situation very closely. Official sources have stated clearly, "We can’t and won’t allow a repeat of what happened last December."
Pilots' Body Criticizes DGCA Action
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has strongly criticized the DGCA's handling of the December incident. FIP President Captain CS Randhawa called the Rs 22.2 crore fine insignificant. He pointed out that the DGCA's probe only considered disruptions on December 3, 4, and 5.
"In reality, the disruptions lasted much longer, until about mid-December, and the scale was much higher," Captain Randhawa emphasized.
He also questioned the regulator's overall approach. "Issuing a warning letter after a massive disruption of this scale is a joke, like the fine amount. Also, with IndiGo flights cut, why hasn’t the FDTL exemption been revoked?"
Captain Randhawa raised a critical point about compliance. "The DGCA is levying a fine of Rs 30 lakh for each day of non-compliance with the new flight duty rules. Does it mean that non-compliance of the law can be traded with a penalty?"
IndiGo's Official Response
IndiGo released a statement on Saturday addressing the situation. The airline said it is "committed to taking full cognisance of the orders and will, in a thoughtful and timely manner, take appropriate measures."
The statement continued, "An in-depth review of the robustness and resilience of the internal processes at IndiGo is underway. This ensures the airline emerges stronger from these events. It maintains its otherwise pristine record of over 19 years of operations."
The coming days will be crucial for India's largest airline. Its ability to adapt to the new safety rules will determine its operational stability and regulatory standing.
