IndiGo Confirms Full Compliance With New DGCA Pilot Safety Norms

IndiGo, India's largest airline, has confirmed full compliance with the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms for pilots starting February 11, 2026, following the expiration of temporary relaxations granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA announced that the airline informed it of having made all necessary operational, rostering, and monitoring arrangements to adhere to the stricter safety rules without disruptions. These norms, aimed at reducing pilot fatigue, include extended weekly rest periods from 36 to 48 continuous hours, tighter limits on night duties (expanded to midnight-6 am), and restrictions on consecutive night operations and landings.

The revised FDTL regulations, phased in from July and fully effective November 1, 2025, sparked significant operational challenges for IndiGo in early December 2025. The airline cancelled over 2,500 flights between December 3 and 5, with thousands more delayed, affecting lakhs of passengers amid peak winter travel. IndiGo attributed the chaos partly to inadequate planning for the new limits on night landings and crew rostering, which exposed a shortage of adequately rested pilots despite earlier assurances of readiness. The crisis led to a 10% cut in the airline's winter schedule, regulatory penalties, and intensified oversight, including DGCA officials deployed at airports and the airline's operations center.

In response to the disruptions, the DGCA granted IndiGo a one-time, conditional exemption on December 5, 2025, from specific FDTL provisions—such as certain night duty definitions and related restrictions—valid until February 10, 2026. This temporary relief allowed stabilization while the airline built up its pilot pool. Recent updates indicate IndiGo has increased its crew buffer to around 3%, raised the pilot-to-aircraft ratio, and achieved surplus staffing, with 2,400 pilots in command against a requirement of 2,280, and adequate first officers.

Also Read: IndiGo and Air India Planes Clip Wingtips at Mumbai Airport, Both Aircrafts Grounded

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA emphasized that the exemption was time-bound and granted in the public interest to safeguard operations and passenger convenience. Close monitoring during the period included hourly data submissions and periodic reviews. With the relaxations now lapsed, IndiGo has assured no further cancellations due to FDTL non-compliance, signaling restored stability.

This development marks a key step toward safer aviation practices in India, aligning with global standards to mitigate fatigue-related risks. Industry observers note that while other carriers adapted smoothly, IndiGo's experience highlighted the importance of proactive manpower planning. Travelers can expect smoother operations, though any residual effects from the earlier turmoil continue to be monitored by regulators.

Also Read: IndiGo Targets Stronger Operations After Major December Disruption