IndiGo assures DGCA of full compliance with revised pilot duty norms

IndiGo has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it has implemented all necessary arrangements to ensure full compliance with the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms following the massive operational disruptions in December 2025.

The airline’s temporary exemption on the new FDTL norms ended on Feb 10, 2026 . During the exemption period, which covered night duty time for pilots and night landings , IndiGo’s flight operations were closely monitored by DGCA through periodic review meetings and the deployment of officers at various airports to oversee passenger handling. Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) were also stationed at IndiGo’s Operations Control Centre for real-time monitoring, ensuring continuous regulatory oversight.

IndiGo faced severe operational disruptions in early December, resulting in 2,507 flight cancellations between Dec 3 and 5. The DGCA investigation cited multiple factors, including over-optimisation of operations, inadequate regulatory preparedness, deficiencies in system software support, and shortcomings in management structure and operational control. Consequently, the regulator curtailed IndiGo’s winter schedule flights by 10% , imposed penalties totalling Rs 22.20 crore , and directed the airline to provide a Rs 50 crore bank guarantee to ensure compliance and long-term corrective measures. Senior management received warnings, and the concerned SVP was removed from operational responsibilities.

IndiGo has now put in place a combination of operational, rostering, and monitoring arrangements to stabilise its services. The airline has maintained an adequate pool of pilots and crew , with 2,400 Pilots in Command (PICs) against a requirement of 2,280 and 2,240 First Officers against a requirement of 2,050 , ensuring smooth operations under the revised FDTL scheme.

The DGCA noted that sustained regulatory oversight and corrective measures have helped stabilise IndiGo’s operations, allowing the airline to operate around 2,200 daily flights . The airline’s domestic market share, which had dipped to 59.6% in December from 63.6% in November , is now expected to recover as the approved FDTL scheme is implemented from today onwards.

IndiGo’s spokesperson reaffirmed that the airline is committed to maintaining optimum staffing and operational standards to prevent future disruptions and ensure regulatory compliance.