New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced immediate measures to tackle the ongoing disruption in Indigo Airlines’ flight schedules. Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has temporarily suspended Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) orders to ease operations, while maintaining strict safety standards.
Measures for Passenger Relief
- Airlines have been directed to restore normal services quickly, with schedules expected to stabilise within 24 hours and full recovery anticipated in three days.
- Carriers must provide real-time flight updates through improved online systems, allowing passengers to track schedules from home.
- Automatic full refunds will be issued for cancelled flights, eliminating the need for passengers to file claims.
- Hotel accommodation will be arranged for travellers stranded due to extended delays.
Special Assistance
- Senior citizens and differently abled passengers will receive priority support, including lounge access and dedicated assistance.
- Refreshments and essential services will be provided to all affected passengers during delays.
Control Room and Monitoring
A 24×7 control room has been set up by the Ministry to oversee the situation and ensure swift corrective action. The helpline numbers are: 011-24610843, 011-24693963, 096503-91859.
Inquiry Into Disruption
The Government has ordered a high-level inquiry to investigate the causes of the disruption at Indigo. The probe will identify accountability and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Government’s Assurance
The Centre reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and convenience, stating that all necessary steps—including regulatory relaxations—are being taken to stabilise airline operations. The Ministry emphasized that passenger care remains its top priority.
Background on Indigo Airlines Service Disruption
India’s largest airline, Indigo, has faced one of the most severe operational crises in recent aviation history. The disruption began in late November 2025 and escalated into December, leading to over 1,200 flight cancellations in November alone, followed by hundreds more in early December.
Root Causes
- Pilot Duty Rules (FDTL): Newly enforced Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations by the DGCA restricted pilot working hours. While designed to enhance safety, the rules collided with Indigo’s winter schedules, creating severe rostering challenges.
- Pilot Shortages: Indigo struggled with crew availability, with more than 750 cancellations in November directly linked to pilot rostering and shortage issues.
- Operational Strain: At Delhi Airport, Indigo’s largest hub, all domestic departures were cancelled on December 5, 2025, affecting nearly 230 scheduled flights in a single day.
Passenger Impact
- Thousands of travellers were stranded across major airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
- Long queues, frayed tempers, and viral videos of distressed passengers highlighted the human cost of the disruption.
- Refunds and rescheduling waivers were announced, but the scale of cancellations caused widespread frustration.
Broader Context
This crisis has raised questions about:
- The resilience of India’s aviation system amid rising passenger demand.
- The management practices of Indigo, particularly in crew planning and operational flexibility.
- The balance between air safety regulations and the need for uninterrupted passenger services.
