DGCA Sets Up Four-Member Panel As IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights Nationwide

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has constituted a four-member committee to conduct a detailed review of the operational issues that have triggered widespread disruptions across IndiGo's network. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant coordination with all concerned stakeholders to address the difficulties faced by air travellers.

The DGCA's committee comprises Joint Director General Sanjay K Bramhane, Deputy Director General Amit Gupta, Captain Kapil Manglik representing the Society of Indian Commercial Pilots (SFOI), and Captain Lokesh Rampal from the Federation of Indian Airlines (FOI). This panel will analyse the factors behind IndiGo's operational breakdown and recommend corrective measures.

Aviation Ministry Issues Urgent Instructions to Stabilise Operations

To counter the escalating disruption, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued two immediate orders directing IndiGo and other airlines to take swift action. These directives aim to reduce passenger inconvenience and restore normal flight operations at the earliest.

The Ministry has specified its expectations clearly:

• Flight schedules should begin stabilising and move toward normalcy starting midnight.
• Complete service restoration and operational steadiness are expected within the next few days.
• Passengers can track real-time delays through digital monitoring systems set up by IndiGo and other carriers.
• Full refunds will be automatically issued for all cancelled IndiGo flights.
• Stranded passengers will be accommodated in airline-arranged hotels.
• Senior citizens will receive dedicated care, including access to lounges.
• Travellers on delayed flights will be provided refreshments and essential amenities.
• A 24x7 control room at the Ministry is overseeing the situation constantly.
• Over 1,000 IndiGo Flights Cancelled as Operational Chaos Continues

On December 5, IndiGo cancelled more than 1,000 flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across major airports. The airline, which operates about 2,300 flights daily and accounts for nearly two-thirds of India's domestic aviation market, has been struggling to cope with the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms enforced on November 1. These rules mandate longer pilot rest periods and impose restrictions on night landings.

The disruptions have continued for four straight days, with ticket prices rising sharply on several routes. As confusion persisted at airports, many passengers searched for updates and misplaced baggage.

In response to the crisis, the DGCA granted IndiGo a temporary exemption from certain FDTL requirements, including night-landing restrictions, to help the airline stabilise operations. IndiGo acknowledged that inadequate preparedness for the newly introduced norms - despite being required to implement them from November 1 - contributed to the current turmoil.

With these relaxations, IndiGo expects flight operations to return to normal within the next ten days, while the DGCA investigates the underlying causes to prevent future lapses. Meanwhile, passenger frustration spilled over onto social media, highlighting the scale of the disruption.

Government Response and Adjustments to Regulations

The Central Government has reiterated that it is fully aware of the difficulties faced by travellers and is working closely with all stakeholders to ease the situation. To fast-track normalcy, authorities have put the new FDTL rules on hold and introduced supplementary operational measures.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu ordered a high-level probe to determine the reasons behind IndiGo's operational failure and ensure accountability. He stated that flight schedules should start returning to normal by December 6, with complete restoration likely within three days. He assured that every possible step, including DGCA's regulatory relaxations, will be taken to protect passenger interests and ensure a quick recovery of services.