The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has said that IndiGo’s ongoing operational meltdown stems from the airline’s repeated failure to act on advance regulatory directions to prepare for the implementation
of revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. Follow Live Updates Here
The regulator also mentioned that despite issuing multiple instructions and reminders, IndiGo did not make timely preparations required under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), triggering the unprecedented wave of cancellations across its network since late November 2025.
According to DGCA, the airline was unable to accurately forecast crew availability, conduct timely training, or realign rosters, even though the revised FDTL Phase-II norms had been communicated well in advance. The regulator said IndiGo, in a review meeting convened after disruptions spiralled, acknowledged that it had failed to anticipate the actual crew requirement under the new rules and admitted to “significant planning and assessment gaps” in implementing Phase-II of FDTL CAR 2024.
Speaking to News18 on Friday, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that “people are our top priority,” stressing that accountability would be fixed only after the probe panel submits its report. “How much fine will be imposed will be defined following the inquiry. But let me assure passengers — action will be taken,” he said.
DGCA said these shortcomings directly resulted in cascading delays and cancellations, severely impacting IndiGo’s network integrity and causing widespread passenger distress. The regulator noted that the situation prima facie indicates deficiencies in IndiGo’s internal oversight, operational preparedness, and compliance planning, raising questions about the airline’s ability to manage regulatory transitions.
Given the scale of the disruption, the aviation watchdog has decided to constitute a four-member committee to conduct a comprehensive review and assess the circumstances that led to the massive breakdown in scheduled operations. The committee will examine systemic lapses, planning failures and the airline’s adherence to regulatory obligations.
Naidu also said the government has held multiple review meetings with all stakeholders, rejecting criticism that the administration was slow to respond. “The Modi government doesn’t run away. We have been monitoring the situation from Day One,” he said.
