The DGCA summoned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras for Thursday at 3 PM, demanding full operational data amid the airline’s crisis hitting day nine with over 100 cancellations in Chennai and Hyderabad alone, according to NDTV.
A four-member panel probes pilot shortages from scrapped FDTL rules causing thousands of disruptions; government plans to redistribute 10 per cent of IndiGo’s slots to others carefully. IndiGo blames rules, passengers suffer chaos, regulators push accountability with no quick fix yet.
Crisis Sparks from Rule Changes
IndiGo’s troubles began with DGCA’s short-lived amendments to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), aimed at pilot fatigue but withdrawn amid backlash. Pilots refused extra duties, causing mass cancellations starting last week.
Thousands of passengers stranded at airports report hours-long waits and rebookings. The aviation regulator formed the panel to dissect operational lapses in India’s largest carrier.
This mirrors past aviation strains, underscoring reliance on one airline for domestic travel.
Data Demands and IndiGo Updates
DGCA seeks status on restoration, re-accommodations, crew numbers, recruitment, shortage prevention, cancellation counts, refund timelines (direct/OTA), CAR compliance, baggage mishaps, alerts, communication, and re-routing. Elbers assured full refunds by December 6, swift baggage handovers, and “war footing” recovery to normal OTP, apologising for inconvenience. Over 40,000 stranded at hubs like Mumbai; families recount missed events and hikes.
Government to Reassign 10% IndiGo Operations
The Centre is now preparing to redistribute 10 per cent of IndiGo’s curtailed winter operations to other airlines, in a bid to contain the week-long crisis and protect passengers from further disruptions.
This slice of IndiGo’s capacity is significant, roughly equal to the combined passenger share of Akasa and SpiceJet, and will be handed over in a staggered manner to carriers that can prove they have the aircraft, crew, and systems to operate reliably.
IndiGo will continue flying to all sectors it currently serves, but with a trimmed schedule, as the government seeks to both stabilise its network and reduce overdependence on a single airline.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Stranded lives from policy ping-pong demand empathy for passengers and dialogue between airlines, regulators, and flyers to stabilise skies. Kindness thrives via transparent fixes and shared accountability for seamless travel.
