DGCA Panel Concludes Probe Into IndiGo Disruption, Submits Report To Aviation Ministry

The four-member enquiry committee set up for probing the IndiGo flight disruptions have submitted the report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday. The panel was formed after IndiGo faced widespread

cancellations and operational disruptions in November following the phased implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms.

According to sources, the report is confidential at this stage and has been handed over to the aviation ministry for further examination.

The enquiry committee was headed by Joint Director General Sanjay K. Bramhane and included Deputy Director General Amit Gupta, along with Capt. Kapil Manglik and Capt. Lokesh Rampal.

Earlier, DGCA had noted that airlines, including IndiGo, were repeatedly advised to carry out detailed manpower planning, restructure rosters and prepare for the transition to the new norms.

However, the regulator observed that IndiGo struggled to accurately assess crew availability, complete timely training, and realign flight schedules despite advance notice.

These shortcomings led to cascading delays and cancellations across the airline’s network, with daily cancellations reportedly touching between 170 and 200 flights at their peak.

The DGCA had also recorded that IndiGo’s cancellations during November were significantly higher compared to other carriers.

The committee’s terms of reference included identifying the root causes behind the operational breakdown, reviewing compliance gaps admitted by the airline, examining accountability for planning failures and assessing whether adequate steps were taken to restore normal operations.

The panel was also asked to review mitigation measures taken by the airline under temporary exemptions granted by the regulator. It was required to submit its findings within 15 days to enable possible regulatory action and institutional strengthening.