Fri Dec 05 13:47:54 UTC 2025: Headline: DGCA Relaxes Flight Duty Rules Amid IndiGo Flight Cancellation Crisis

New Delhi, India – India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has rolled back a key provision of its new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, effective immediately, in response to the severe operational disruptions plaguing IndiGo, the nation’s largest airline. The rule, which prevented airlines from substituting leave for mandatory weekly rest for pilots, has been temporarily suspended.

The move comes after IndiGo experienced mass flight cancellations over the past few days, with a record 550 flights grounded on Thursday alone. IndiGo admitted to misjudging pilot availability under the new FDTL regulations, which mandate longer rest periods for flight crews. Nearly 1,300 flights have been cancelled overall, and the airline has warned of continued disruptions. Delhi airport even cancelled all outbound IndiGo flights till midnight today because of the chaos.

The DGCA has also granted an exemption until February 10 for night-time flight restrictions, subject to bi-weekly reviews and a 30-day roadmap from airlines demonstrating compliance with the rules. In addition, the DGCA extended the cap on pilot flying hours from 12 to 14.

The revision to the FDTL norms essentially allows airlines to consider earned leave as equivalent to the required weekly rest for pilots.

The crisis has negatively impacted IndiGo’s stock prices.
The DGCA has requested pilots to cooperate in keeping flight operations stable.

IndiGo has apologized for the disruptions and assured customers that it is working to resolve the situation. The airline anticipates today will be the day with the highest number of cancellations as it reboots its systems.

Read More