IndiGo Flight Chaos Hits India’s Airports

Nationwide Airport Turmoil

Airports across India are witnessing unprecedented disruptions as IndiGo grapples with operational challenges, leaving passengers stranded for hours. Long queues, frazzled tempers, and anxious appeals at airline counters have become the daily norm amid widespread flight cancellations and delays that have persisted for four consecutive days.

Over 1,000 Flights Cancelled in Four Days

The airline has cancelled more than 1,000 flights over the past four days, affecting major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Hundreds of departures and arrivals were abruptly scrapped, leaving travelers frustrated and scrambling for alternatives.

The Crisis Unfolded: From Operational Glitches to Fatigue Rules

IndiGo cites multiple unforeseen operational issues, including minor technical glitches, winter schedule changes, congestion, and adverse weather. However, aviation experts point to a more decisive factor: the enforcement of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL).

Understanding the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)

First introduced in January 2024 but only enforced recently, the FDTL rules are designed to prevent pilot fatigue. Key requirements include:

• 48 hours of weekly rest for crew (up from 36 hours)
• Extended night duty window from 00:00 to 06:00
• Limit of two night landings per pilot per week
• Maximum of 8 flying hours during night operations

These rules forced a significant portion of IndiGo’s pilots into mandatory rest just as the airline ramped up its winter schedule on October 26. A subsequent Airbus A320 software advisory triggered weekend delays, pushing flights past midnight and creating cascading cancellations once FDTL restrictions were applied.

IndiGo’s Scale: A Double-Edged Sword

Operating over 2,200 flights daily—nearly double that of Air India—IndiGo’s size magnifies any operational lapse. Even a 10% disruption affects 200–400 flights and thousands of passengers. On a single Friday, Delhi alone saw 135 departures and 90 arrivals cancelled, Bengaluru reported 52 arrivals and 50 departures scrapped, and Hyderabad logged 92 cancellations. Over 48 hours, the airline cancelled more than 600 flights—a record disruption for the 20-year-old carrier.

Regulatory Relief: DGCA Steps In

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a critical amendment, withdrawing the provision that “no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest.” This immediate rollback provides airlines more flexibility in crew rostering and is expected to ease IndiGo’s staffing constraints. It marks the first FDTL clause adjustment since enforcement began, acknowledging that the airline industry was unprepared for the transition.

Pilot Unions Point Finger at Management

Unions allege that IndiGo ignored warnings and failed to prepare for the new rules due to:

• A prolonged hiring freeze despite knowing new regulations were imminent
• Lean staffing strategies to cut costs
• Non-poaching agreements and pay freezes
• Flight schedules that ignored new rest norms

The Federation of Indian Pilots asserts that other airlines adjusted better and avoided major disruptions. Some experts speculate the chaos could be a strategy to lobby for further FDTL relaxations, although pilots caution that safety must not be compromised.

Passenger Struggles and On-Time Performance Collapse

Stranded passengers report spending over 12 hours at airports without basic amenities. IndiGo’s on-time performance dropped sharply to 19.7%, a dramatic fall from its usual industry-leading reliability.

Looking Ahead: Recovery Plans

IndiGo has requested until February 10, 2026, to stabilize operations fully. The airline has begun reducing flights in the short term, advising passengers to check flight statuses, carry essentials, and prefer flexible or refundable bookings. Pilots advocate that DGCA only approve schedules after verifying adequate crew strength, ensuring safety-driven policies are enforced.

The Hard Truth for IndiGo

With 118 million passengers carried last financial year, IndiGo faces a stark reality: high-frequency, low-cost operations are difficult to maintain under stricter fatigue-control regulations unless staffing is proportionally increased. For now, India’s skies remain turbulent as the airline confronts the most significant operational challenge in its history.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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