IndiGo Updates DGCA on Plan to Fully Restore Operations by February 10

New Delhi: IndiGo on Thursday cancelled over 300 domestic and international flights at Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other airports, citing misjudgment and planning gaps in implementing new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms.

The airline informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that more cancellations will continue over the next 2–3 days as part of schedule stabilisation, with a reduction in flight operations from December 8 and full operational stability expected by February 10.

At Delhi, 95 flights were cancelled, while Mumbai saw 85 cancellations, Hyderabad 70, and Bangalore 50, with additional cancellations at other airports. IndiGo’s On Time Performance (OTP) at six key airports, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, plunged to 19.7 per cent on Wednesday, down from 35 per cent on December 2. Many flights were also delayed as crew shortages and schedule adjustments continued to strain the airline, which is typically known for punctuality.

The Federation of Indian Pilots criticised IndiGo for a “hiring freeze” despite a two-year preparation window and urged DGCA to ensure airlines have adequate staff before approving seasonal schedules. The Airline Pilots’ Association of India cited a failure of proactive planning and suggested the disruptions may pressure regulators to relax FDTL rules.

IndiGo also flagged minor technology glitches, winter schedule changes, adverse weather, air traffic congestion, and updated crew rostering rules as compounding operational challenges. Shares of IndiGo fell over 3 per cent to Rs 5,417.90 apiece on the BSE.