IndiGo Faces Pilot Crunch as DGCA Reassigns Inspectors

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reassigned four senior flight operations inspectors (FOIs), who served as principal operations inspectors (POIs) overseeing IndiGo’s operations. FOIs, typically experienced airline pilots, are designated to monitor an airline’s operational requirements and ensure sufficient crew availability. In this case, the four inspectors were recalled to their airline before completing their official tenure.

Role of FOIs and Their Responsibilities

FOIs play a crucial role in airline oversight. Assigned to specific carriers, they are expected to:

• Monitor compliance with operational regulations.
• Verify that airlines maintain adequate staffing levels.
• Ensure that crew rosters and resources align with safety and operational standards.

These inspectors temporarily join the understaffed DGCA, bringing firsthand airline experience to regulatory monitoring. Their premature return to their airline has raised questions about oversight effectiveness.

IndiGo Faces Operational Challenges Amid Flight Duty Changes

IndiGo recently faced operational disruptions despite upcoming flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules, scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, and November 1, 2025. The new rules would have necessitated a higher pilot count. Officials indicated that the airline did not recruit additional pilots in anticipation, and FOIs failed to flag the staffing gap.

The shortage hindered IndiGo’s ability to comply with the new FDTL requirements. To mitigate the impact, the implementation for Airbus A320 aircraft was deferred until February 10, 2026, preventing widespread cancellations.

An insider noted, “IndiGo was aware of the increased pilot requirement and discussed FDTL with DGCA, yet recruitment did not take place.” Despite these challenges, IndiGo maintains that no pilot shortage exists. DGCA has since instructed the airline to accelerate pilot hiring. Operations have largely stabilized, with over 2,050 flights operating across 138 destinations as of last Friday.

Rising Tensions Between IndiGo Management and Pilots

Discontent among IndiGo pilots has been growing due to a combination of operational, contractual, and policy issues. Key points of friction include:

• Operations Control Centre (OCC): Pilots reportedly dislike the airline’s OCC, citing poor coordination and management decisions.
• Night Flight Payments: Extra compensation for night landings was temporarily halted, prompting pilots to refuse certain flights.
• Contractual Limits: New contracts introduced caps on flying hours, causing dissatisfaction.
• Policy Changes: Adjustments in salary components, medical fitness, and sick leave policies further strained relations.

Additionally, restrictions imposed on pilots working abroad, particularly in Gulf countries, have exacerbated frustration. “It’s acceptable for airlines to hire foreign executives, yet they restrict pilots from international opportunities. Better work environments and pay are needed, rather than coercion,” said an IndiGo pilot.

Outlook for IndiGo Post-Fiasco

The recent operational challenges have highlighted gaps in staffing, oversight, and employee relations. With DGCA’s directives and ongoing pilot recruitment, IndiGo is gradually returning to normal operations. However, management must address long-standing issues with pilots to prevent future disruptions and restore trust.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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