Post by : Rameen Ariff

New Delhi: The Indian government has taken strict action against IndiGo following the massive flight cancellations that disrupted travel across the country last week. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, has cut IndiGo’s winter schedule by five percent, meaning around 110 flights will be removed daily. These slots are expected to be allocated to other airlines to maintain smooth operations at airports.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu told the Rajya Sabha that the recent cancellations were the result of an "internal crisis" at IndiGo triggered by the enforcement of new passenger safety norms. He emphasized that the government prioritizes the safety of pilots, crew, and passengers and is committed to taking strict action against any non-compliance. “Passengers faced significant difficulties due to IndiGo’s inability to manage crew and rosters. We will not overlook such situations and will set an example for all airlines,” Naidu said.

The DGCA noted that while IndiGo was approved to operate 15,014 departures per week under the Winter Schedule 2025, actual operations in November fell short, with 951 flight cancellations recorded. The airline, which runs approximately 2,200 domestic and international flights daily, was unable to operate all aircraft efficiently despite an increase in its fleet size compared to the previous schedules. The regulator’s move to reduce the schedule by five percent is aimed at high-demand, high-frequency flights and to prevent single-flight operations on sectors where IndiGo struggled.

The disruptions began with the implementation of new flight safety regulations designed to address pilot fatigue. These rules, announced nearly two years ago, require airlines to provide more rest periods for pilots, a measure critical for reducing the risk of accidents. While these norms were intended to improve safety, IndiGo, which had traditionally focused on maximizing aircraft utilization, faced a shortage of crew, resulting in widespread flight cancellations. The DGCA temporarily relaxed the rules to manage immediate disruptions, but the regulator has now moved to ensure stricter adherence and prevent future chaos.

Minister Naidu also highlighted the government’s vision for the aviation sector, noting India’s potential to host five major airlines and urging more competition in the industry. However, his remarks were met with protests from opposition members in the Rajya Sabha, who staged a walkout during the discussion.

The government’s intervention follows a week of turmoil at airports across India, where hundreds of passengers were left stranded, affecting travel plans for weddings, holidays, and professional commitments. By reducing IndiGo’s flight schedule and reallocating slots to other carriers, the DGCA aims to stabilize domestic air travel and restore public confidence in India’s aviation sector.

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