IndiGo, India’s largest airline, faces its worst operational crisis in December 2025, with over 300 flights cancelled on December 8 amid a pilot shortage triggered by non-compliance with new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules effective November 1.​

Key Developments

  • More than 2,000 flights cancelled since December 2, affecting major airports like Delhi (134 cancellations), Bengaluru (127), and Chennai (71) on December 8 alone.​

  • DGCA issued show-cause notices to CEO Pieter Elbers and the accountable manager, with a 24-hour response extension granted; airline expects stabilization by December 10.​

  • IndiGo issued ₹610 crore in refunds and delivered 3,000 baggage items; government capped fares and added train coaches for stranded passengers.​

Causes and Response

The disruptions stem from IndiGo’s failure to prepare for stricter pilot rest rules, unlike competitors, despite a year’s notice; CEO Elbers called it a planning error in a staff video. Government launched a high-level probe, granted temporary exemptions until February 2026, and set up a 24×7 passenger hotline. On-time performance dropped sharply but aims for 75% recovery soon.

IndiGo Operational Crisis Overview

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, faces its worst disruptions in December 2025 due to a pilot shortage from non-compliance with new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules effective November 1. Over 2,000 flights have been cancelled since December 2, with more than 300 on December 8 alone, impacting 5.8 lakh passengers mainly at Delhi (134 cancellations), Bengaluru (127), and Chennai (71). Operations operated 1,650 of 2,300 scheduled flights on December 7, with stabilization targeted by December 10.​

Key Causes and FDTL Rules

New FDTL rules mandate 48 consecutive hours of weekly pilot rest, redefine night as 12 am–6 am (previously to 5 am), limit pilots to two night landings and no more than two consecutive night duties, and require roster adjustments plus quarterly fatigue reports. IndiGo’s inadequate preparation despite a year’s notice led to crew shortages, exacerbated by winter schedules, unlike competitors. CEO Pieter Elbers called it a planning error in a staff video.​

Regulatory and Government Actions

DGCA issued show-cause notices to CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras for operational failures and passenger rights non-compliance, granting a one-time 24-hour extension to respond. Temporary FDTL exemptions apply to IndiGo’s A320 fleet until February 2026, with fortnightly reviews, biweekly reports on crew utilization, and a 30-day full compliance roadmap. Government initiated a high-level probe, capped fares, added train coaches, set up a 24×7 passenger hotline, and mandated refunds by December 7 evening plus baggage delivery within 48 hours.

Passenger Support Measures

IndiGo processed ₹610 crore in refunds and delivered 3,000 baggage items, using tags to contact passengers and deliver to homes, with full waivers on rescheduling till December 15. No rescheduling charges apply, and dedicated cells handle grievances with automatic refunds until stability. On-time performance dropped but aims for 75% recovery soon.