Aviation watchdog, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed IndiGo to cut its flights by 5 per cent following a major disruption that
led to over 5,000 cancellations, a report by the Economic Times said. Normally operating about 2,300 flights daily, IndiGo had been gradually restoring services after the disruption and ran approximately 1,800 flights on Monday.
IndiGo blames multiple factors
In its reply to the DGCA’s show-cause notice, IndiGo expressed regret over the disruptions and attributed the situation to a “confluence of multiple factors.” Citing TOI, the airline listed minor technical glitches, schedule changes related to the winter season, adverse weather, increased airspace congestion, and the implementation of the updated Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) phase II rules that came into effect on November 1, 2025.IndiGo stated that given the scale of its operations, it was “realistically not possible to pinpoint the exact cause(s)” within the stipulated time and requested an extension to conduct a comprehensive root-cause analysis, in line with DGCA’s 15-day response guidelines, reported TOI.
Massive cancellations and operational reboot
The airline referred to the large-scale cancellations on December 5, when over 1,000 flights, nearly half of its daily schedule, were affected, as a “drastic measure” to reboot its network. The move aimed to recover stranded passengers, ease airport congestion, and reposition crew and aircraft, according to TOI.DGCA panel to probe
A four-member DGCA panel, led by Joint DG Sanjay Brahamane, has been tasked with investigating the disruption. The panel may summon IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras.TOI reported that the panel will examine manpower planning, crew rostering, and the airline’s preparedness for FDTL Phase II implementation.
Possible consequences for IndiGo
Depending on the findings, DGCA could proportionally scale down IndiGo flights based on crew availability, opening slots to other carriers. TOI noted that, apart from potential financial penalties, top executives, including the COO, could face disciplinary action.IndiGo may also opt for internal restructuring, including resignations or terminations of key personnel deemed responsible for the operational chaos.
With public frustration rising over flight disruptions, the aviation ministry and DGCA are under pressure to act swiftly, ensuring passengers experience minimal inconvenience while maintaining airline accountability, reported TOI.
