Archive · 6 Dec 2025
IndiGo Cancels 1,000+ Flights Due to Pilot Fatigue Rules
IndiGo, India's largest airline, has cancelled over 1,000 flights in the past few days.
This happened because of new rules that limit how many hours pilots can work, called Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL).
These rules require more pilots than before, and IndiGo didn't have enough ready, causing many flights to be cancelled.
This has left thousands of passengers stranded and caused chaos at airports.
The airline has asked for temporary relaxations in the rules and expects to fully recover by February 2026.
The government's aviation body, DGCA, is investigating the situation and has asked IndiGo to fix the issues and provide a detailed plan.
The government has also stepped in to cap airfares and ensure that passengers get their refunds quickly.
Indian Railways has added special trains to help stranded passengers.
Some people are upset because the exemptions given to IndiGo might compromise safety, but the airline says it's doing its best to fix the problems.
IndiGo has cancelled over 1,000 flights due to new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, crew shortages, and operational challenges.
The airline has requested exemptions from FDTL provisions until February 10, 2026, to ease crew pressure.
The DGCA is investigating the situation and has asked IndiGo to provide a detailed explanation and corrective measures.
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport due to frequent last-minute changes.
The government has imposed airfare caps to prevent opportunistic pricing and directed IndiGo to clear all pending refunds by December 7, 2025.
- Who
- IndiGo, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Passengers, Indian Railways, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)
- What
- Massive flight cancellations due to new pilot fatigue rules and subsequent government interventions
- When
- Since Tuesday, with ongoing disruptions and government actions over the weekend
- Where
- Across India, major airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata
- Why
- Implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, crew shortages, and operational challenges; government actions to regulate fares and ensure passenger rights
IndiGo and Government
Pilot Labor Groups
Exemption from FDTL Rules
IndiGo and Government
IndiGo has requested and received temporary exemptions from the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules to ease crew pressure and resume normal operations.
Pilot Labor Groups
Pilot labor groups, such as the Federation of Indian Pilots and the Airline Pilots Association of India, have objected to the exemptions, arguing that safety should not be compromised to accommodate IndiGo's planning deficiencies.
- Airline
- IndiGo
- Flights Cancelled
- Over 1,000
- Reason for Cancellations
- Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules
- Impacted Passengers
- Thousands
- Expected Resolution Date
- February 10, 2026
- Regulatory Body
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- IndiGo's Daily Flights
- Around 2,300
- Pilot Shortage
- Yes, due to FDTL phase-2 rollout
- Government Action
- Airfare caps imposed, refund deadline set
- Indian Railways Response
- Over 75 special trains announced
Sources
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