The DGCA said the decision has been taken in view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations.
IndiGo flight cancellations trigger chaos at Indian airports (Photo: ANI)
In the wake of widespread disruptions in IndiGo flight operations at airports across the country, the aviation regulator DGCA withdrew a part of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules enforced starting November 1.
In an order issued on Friday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said it was withdrawing “the instructions regarding published weekly rest”, thereby permitting the practice of substituting leaves with the weekly rest period for pilots.
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The watchdog also appealed for the cooperation of pilots to ensure smooth flight operations.
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The letter addressed to all operators stated: “…the instruction contained in the referenced paragraph that no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.”
Why IndiGo flights are being cancelled, and how to check your flight status
The regulator said the decision has been taken in view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations.
The decision to relax flight duty norms for airlines is likely to ease some pressure on IndiGo Airlines with regard to crew shortage.
Aviation watchdog DGCA eases flight duty norms for airlines amid IndiGo flight disruptions: Sources.
It came a day after the DGCA held a review meeting with senior IndiGo representatives. The airline sought short-term exemptions for A320 operations to help manage crew shortages through the winter, said the DGCA. The airline further told the regulator at the review meeting that operations will be fully normal only by February 10, 2026.
IndiGo, India’s largest private carrier, has faced massive disruptions in its flight operations since the start of this month. Over 500 of its flights have been cancelled across the country today, including the complete grounding of departures for the day from the Delhi airport.
The disruptions have caused havoc at airports, including in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, leaving thousands of air passengers stranded. The issue has also been raised in Parliament during the ongoing Winter Session.
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