Operations for budget carrier IndiGo are gradually returning to normal at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, following a massive disruption that led to the cancellation of more than a thousand flights in a single day. The airport authorities have issued an advisory urging passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the terminal.
Airport Advisory and CEO's Apology
In a recent update, Delhi Airport stated that IndiGo's flight schedules are steadily resuming after the severe brief disruption. The airport explicitly advised travellers to check the status of their booking and flight before leaving home. This comes after IndiGo was forced to cancel all its domestic flights from Delhi Airport until midnight on Friday, marking its most severely impacted day.
IndiGo's Chief Executive Officer, Peter Elbers, addressed the crisis through a video message. He confirmed that December 5 was the worst-hit day with cancellations soaring well above the 1,000 mark. Elbers offered a sincere apology to customers for the immense inconvenience and projected that a full return to normal operations is anticipated between December 10 and 15.
Minister Cites Mismanagement, DGCA Grants Exemption
The Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, pinpointed the root cause of the chaos as IndiGo's mismanagement of its crew roster in relation to new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. These regulations were issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and came into effect from November 1.
Minister Naidu revealed that while other airlines like Air India and SpiceJet had adjusted to the new rules, IndiGo failed to plan adequately. To help clear the backlog and aid stranded passengers, the Ministry granted IndiGo a temporary abeyance from the strict FDTL norms. The DGCA also attributed the disruptions to the airline's "misjudgment and gap in planning."
In a significant move, the aviation regulator has provided IndiGo with a one-time exemption from certain night duty rules for pilots, valid until February 10, 2026. This exemption, aimed at stabilising operations amid a pilot shortage, allows the airline to bypass stricter rest period regulations for duties between 12:00 am and 6:50 am.
Market Dominance and Safety Concerns
The widespread cancellations stranded thousands of passengers across the country, sparking outrage and even being raised in Parliament. The centre has directed airlines to implement corrective measures and ensure prompt passenger refunds. IndiGo's dominant market share of nearly 63% has raised fresh concerns about market concentration and the systemic risks it poses when such a large player faces operational issues.
However, the regulatory exemption has drawn criticism from the Airlines' Pilots Association (ALPA) of India. The pilots' body warned that the move sets a dangerous precedent and could potentially compromise long-established aviation safety standards.
As the airline works to restore its schedule fully, passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status through official channels before commencing their journey to the airport.
