IndiGo has responded to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) orders regarding massive flight disruptions in December 2025, assuring that the airline will take “thoughtful and timely” measures to address the regulator’s concerns. The airline stated that an in-depth review of its internal processes is underway to strengthen operational resilience.
Between December 3 and 5, 2025, IndiGo cancelled 2,507 flights and delayed 1,852 others nationwide after failing to adequately prepare for new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms for pilots. The airline had received regulatory relief until February 10, 2026, to fully implement the revised norms.
Following a detailed investigation by a four-member DGCA committee, the regulator found that excessive operational optimisation, inadequate software support, and management shortcomings were the main causes of the disruption. The panel noted that IndiGo did not maintain sufficient operational buffers and failed to implement revised FDTL provisions effectively.
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As part of enforcement actions, the DGCA imposed a total financial penalty of Rs 60 lakh and ordered IndiGo to provide a Rs 50-crore bank guarantee to ensure long-term compliance. Warnings were also issued to CEO Pieter Elbers and several senior operational managers for lapses in oversight, crisis management, and crew planning.
IndiGo’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the DGCA directives and addressing all systemic gaps. The airline emphasized that the ongoing review aims to enhance operational robustness, prevent future disruptions, and ensure passengers’ confidence in its services.
The regulator’s actions mark one of the strictest interventions against an Indian airline in recent years, underscoring the importance of regulatory compliance, operational planning, and effective crisis management in the aviation sector.
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