DGCA – IndiGo Operations Stabilised After Regulatory Action, Pilot Strength Now Adequate
India’s aviation regulator has stated that flight operations at IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share, have stabilised following sustained regulatory oversight and corrective measures implemented after widespread disruptions last month. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the airline now has sufficient pilot strength to comply with revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) without causing further operational disruptions.
The assessment comes days after the regulator imposed penalties amounting to ₹22.20 crore on the airline for large-scale cancellations and delays in early December, which affected more than three lakh passengers nationwide. The DGCA has since maintained close supervision of the carrier’s operations, citing improvements in planning, crew availability, and system resilience.
Background: December Disruptions Trigger Regulatory Scrutiny
Between December 3 and December 5, thousands of passengers across major Indian airports faced severe inconvenience as IndiGo cancelled over 2,500 flights and delayed nearly 1,900 more. The disruptions occurred during a peak travel period, amplifying the impact on holiday travellers and business passengers alike.
Following an investigation, the aviation regulator identified several systemic shortcomings at the airline. These included inadequate crew management, insufficient operational buffers, gaps in software and operational control systems, and an aggressive utilisation strategy that left little margin for recovery during disruptions.
According to the regulator, flight rosters were planned close to the maximum permissible duty limits, relying heavily on operational practices such as dead-heading, aircraft swaps, and extended duty patterns. While technically compliant, this approach weakened roster integrity and reduced resilience when unforeseen disruptions occurred.
Enhanced Oversight and Reporting Framework
In response, the DGCA initiated a period of enhanced oversight beginning December 6. The airline was directed to submit daily operational reports until the end of the month, covering flight cancellations, delays, crew availability, standby utilisation, system performance, and other key indicators.
In addition to daily reporting, IndiGo was required to submit weekly and fortnightly updates on manpower planning, pilot training schedules, fleet availability, and attrition forecasts. A detailed Corrective Action Plan was also sought to ensure long-term compliance with revised FDTL norms.
To strengthen on-ground supervision, the regulator deployed Flight Operations Inspectors at the airline’s Operations Control Centre and stationed regulatory teams at key airports. These officials monitored day-to-day operations, passenger handling, and compliance with safety and scheduling norms during the recovery phase.
Pilot Strength Meets Projected Requirements
During a review meeting held on January 19, the airline reported that its pilot availability is now aligned with projected operational needs beyond February 10, when the regulator’s temporary restrictions are set to be reviewed.
As per figures shared with the regulator, the airline currently has around 2,400 Pilots in Command against a projected requirement of 2,280. The number of First Officers stands at approximately 2,240, exceeding the estimated need of 2,050. The DGCA said these numbers provide adequate buffer to operate the approved flight network without resorting to exemptions from duty time norms.
In December, as a precautionary measure, the regulator had curtailed the airline’s winter schedule by 10 per cent until February 10 to ease pressure on crew and systems. The airline has since assured the regulator that it does not expect flight cancellations after this date, provided operations continue under the approved network and revised duty regulations.
Removal of Temporary Exemptions
As part of the stabilisation process, two temporary exemptions from FDTL norms, granted in early December in the public interest, have been withdrawn. The regulator clarified that while certain operational relaxations were allowed briefly to stabilise the system, safety standards were not compromised.
The DGCA noted that sustained monitoring and compliance reporting have led to measurable improvements in service reliability and operational predictability over recent weeks.
Accountability and Penalties
In a strong message on accountability, the aviation watchdog imposed fines totalling ₹22.20 crore earlier this month and issued warnings to the airline’s chief executive and two other senior executives for lapses in oversight. Additionally, the airline has been directed to furnish a ₹50-crore bank guarantee to ensure implementation of long-term systemic corrections.
The regulator has stated that it will continue to closely monitor the airline’s performance, with particular attention to roster integrity, crew availability, buffer adequacy, system robustness, and adherence to duty time regulations.
Looking Ahead
The DGCA’s latest assessment indicates cautious optimism that corrective steps taken by the airline are yielding results. However, the regulator has emphasised that sustained compliance, conservative planning, and adequate buffers will be essential to prevent a repeat of December’s disruptions, especially as passenger demand continues to grow.
For passengers, the coming weeks will be a key test of whether the improvements translate into consistently reliable operations. For the airline, the episode underscores the importance of balancing rapid network expansion with operational resilience and regulatory preparedness in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
