Post by : Rameen Ariff

New Delhi, November 19, 2025: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has levied a ₹20 lakh fine on IndiGo, the nation's leading airline, for breaching instrument flight procedure (IFP) regulations at Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur. This incident highlights the increasing focus of the aviation regulator on ensuring stringent compliance with safety guidelines.

A recent regulatory report by InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo’s parent company, revealed that the airline had utilized a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and IFP that were developed internally rather than being sanctioned by the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The AAI is the sole authority allowed to publish such procedures, and any deviations contravene Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, alongside Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 9, Series C, Part I, paragraphs 2.2 and 2.34.

InterGlobe confirmed receipt of the DGCA's notice on November 17, 2025, stating that the fine would have “no material impact” on operations or finances, reiterating that IndiGo remains compliant with all aviation regulations.

Experts highlight that instrument departures and arrivals are vital for flight safety, especially at challenging airports like Udaipur, which faces unique terrain and high air traffic demands requiring strict navigational adherence. The DGCA's action suggests a tightening of regulatory measures aimed at ensuring airlines follow authorized protocols to enhance operational safety.

This penalty follows a previous fine of ₹40 lakh imposed by the DGCA on IndiGo for employing unqualified full-flight simulators for pilot training at Category C airports, such as Leh, Calicut, and Kathmandu. Investigations showed that approximately 1,700 pilots were trained on simulators that did not meet the necessary regulatory standards. In that instance, DGCA also fined IndiGo’s Director of Training and Director of Flight Operations ₹20 lakh each for lapses in regulatory oversight.

Aviation analysts indicate that these recurrent fines reflect the DGCA’s dedication to upholding safety standards amid rapid growth in India’s aviation industry. Adhering to standardized protocols is essential to not only avoid penalties but also to ensure passenger safety and operational integrity, particularly as airlines expand into more challenging airport environments and congested airspaces.

IndiGo, which boasts one of the largest fleets for domestic and international travel in India, has consistently promoted its commitment to safety and regulatory adherence. While these penalties serve as cautionary measures for the airline, industry experts believe that if enforced strictly, DGCA's regulations will foster operational discipline and avert mishaps that could endanger passengers.

As India's aviation sector continues its rapid expansion, these events underscore the vital importance of regulatory oversight and adherence to approved procedures in ensuring safe air travel and maintaining public trust in commercial aviation.

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