IndiGo Flight Disruptions Trigger DGCA Four-Member Inquiry Over FDTL Non-Compliance (Source: ANI)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has attributed the ongoing operational chaos at IndiGo to the airline’s repeated failure to act on earlier regulatory instructions and prepare for the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. According to the DGCA, despite issuing multiple instructions and reminders, IndiGo did not complete the necessary preparations outlined in the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), leading to a massive wave of flight cancellations across its network from late November 2025.
The regulator highlighted that IndiGo struggled to predict crew availability, provide timely training, and adjust flight rosters, even though the revised FDTL Phase-II norms were communicated well in advance. During a review meeting convened after the disruptions escalated, IndiGo reportedly admitted that it had failed to anticipate the actual crew requirements under the new rules. The airline acknowledged “significant planning and assessment gaps” in implementing Phase-II of the FDTL CAR 2024.
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Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized that “people are our top priority,” noting that accountability for the disruptions would be determined once the inquiry panel completes its review. He added, “How much fine will be imposed will be defined following the inquiry. But let me assure passengers — action will be taken.”
The DGCA pointed out that these shortcomings directly caused cascading delays and cancellations, severely affecting IndiGo’s network operations and creating widespread inconvenience for passengers. The regulator observed that the incident indicates weaknesses in the airline’s internal oversight, operational readiness, and compliance planning, raising doubts about its ability to manage regulatory changes effectively.
In light of the scale of the disruption, the DGCA has constituted a four-member committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the crisis. The panel will examine systemic lapses, planning failures, and IndiGo’s adherence to regulatory obligations, aiming to identify the reasons behind the breakdown of scheduled operations.
Minister Naidu also rejected claims that the government responded slowly, stating that multiple review meetings were held with all stakeholders. “The Modi government doesn’t run away. We have been monitoring the situation from Day One,” he said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring accountability and passenger safety.
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