IndiGo Airlines Faces Major Disruptions, Seeks Regulatory Exemptions

IndiGo Airlines is currently facing severe operational challenges, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and a significant drop in on-time performance. The airline has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation that it expects to return to normal operations by February 10 and is seeking temporary exemptions from strict flight duty-time regulations. With major airports experiencing overcrowding and long queues, IndiGo has publicly apologized to affected customers and is working to stabilize its operations. The situation has raised concerns about the airline's ability to manage staffing and regulatory changes effectively.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 08:39 IST

IndiGo's Operational Challenges

On Thursday, IndiGo informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it anticipates a return to normal operations by February 10. The airline has requested temporary exemptions from certain stringent flight duty-time regulations due to significant disruptions and numerous cancellations, according to reports.

To stabilize its operations, IndiGo plans to start reducing its flight schedule from Monday, as it grapples with the ongoing challenges, as reported by a news outlet.

The DGCA noted that the disruptions stemmed from miscalculations and planning deficiencies in executing Phase 2 of the Flight Duty Time Limitations. The airline acknowledged that the actual crew requirements were higher than expected.

IndiGo stated that its Airbus A320 fleet needs 2,422 captains and 2,153 first officers for stable operations, while currently, it has 2,357 captains and 2,194 first officers.

On Thursday alone, the airline canceled around 550 flights, with many others experiencing delays.

IndiGo's on-time performance, which typically hovers around 80%, plummeted to 35% on Tuesday and further declined to 19.7% for much of Wednesday, as reported by another media source.

Major airports, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, and Lucknow, faced long lines, overcrowding, and staff shortages, with passengers reporting last-minute cancellations and poor communication from airline personnel.

The disruptions coincide with the implementation of stricter crew rostering and duty-time regulations that were introduced in November.

The revised rostering guidelines, which were issued by the DGCA in January 2024 due to concerns regarding pilot fatigue, were initially set to take effect on June 1. However, airlines requested a delay in implementation due to staffing shortages and operational difficulties, leading to the new rules being enforced on November 1.

These new regulations mandate longer weekly rest periods, limit night landings, redefine night hours, and restrict consecutive night duties.

Civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has instructed all airports to assist stranded passengers and has directed the regulator to keep an eye on airfares during this period of disruption. He also urged IndiGo to keep travelers informed about any anticipated cancellations.

IndiGo, which operates over 2,000 flights daily and commands approximately 60% of India's domestic aviation market, has been more adversely affected by these new regulations compared to other airlines. Its stock price has dropped by about 6% this week.

On Thursday, IndiGo publicly apologized to its customers and industry partners, stating that it is working diligently to mitigate the impact of these delays and restore normal operations.