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IndiGo Plans Reduced Operations, Aims for Stability by February 2026
Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, operator of IndiGo, were trading lower on Friday, December 5, as the airline continues to face significant operational challenges.
Flight Operations Expected to Stabilize by February 2026
IndiGo informed the aviation regulator DGCA on Thursday that operations are expected to fully stabilize by February 10, 2026. The airline requested temporary relaxations in Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms after canceling more than 550 flights in a single day, affecting both domestic and international travel plans.
Acknowledging misjudgments and planning gaps in implementing the second phase of FDTL norms, IndiGo also warned that additional cancellations are expected until December 8, followed by a reduction in services.
Government Steps In
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu held a high-level review to assess the widespread flight disruptions and expressed displeasure over IndiGo’s handling of the FDTL norms despite having ample preparation time. The DGCA has been instructed to monitor operations closely in real time, and IndiGo is required to proactively inform passengers of any expected cancellations.
Authorities are also watching airfares amid rising ticket prices during the disruption and have asked the airline to ensure fares remain stable.
FDTL Relaxations and Crew Shortages
IndiGo has requested certain FDTL exemptions for A320 operations until February 10, 2026, aiming to normalize flights. The airline reported that for December, there are 2,357 captains and 2,194 first officers available, highlighting crew shortages intensified by the new FDTL rules, which limit night landings per pilot.
According to the airline, the current crew availability for December includes 2,357 captains and 2,194 first officers. While these numbers reflect IndiGo’s ongoing efforts to maintain staffing levels, they also highlight the significant pressures on crew resources exacerbated by the recently implemented FDTL rules. The updated regulations limit the number of night landings per pilot, which has placed additional constraints on scheduling and increased the complexity of rostering pilots effectively.
The airline noted that these crew shortages have been a key factor behind recent flight cancellations and delays. By seeking these targeted FDTL exemptions, IndiGo aims to better align operational capacity with crew availability, ensure adequate rest periods for pilots, and maintain flight safety standards while stabilizing its daily schedules. The airline emphasized that these measures are part of a broader plan to restore full operational efficiency and minimize further passenger inconvenience over the coming months.
Planned Reductions and Corrective Measures
To minimize further disruptions to passengers and maintain operational control, IndiGo has announced that it will scale down its flight operations starting from December 8. This temporary reduction is intended to allow the airline to manage staffing shortages, address scheduling challenges, and ensure that remaining flights can operate safely and on time.
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested IndiGo to provide a comprehensive and detailed roadmap outlining all corrective measures. The roadmap is expected to include plans for crew recruitment to fill existing gaps, induction of new aircraft to balance operational capacity, structured training programs for pilots and staff, and a thorough restructuring of flight rosters. In addition, IndiGo must conduct detailed safety-risk assessments to identify potential hazards arising from the current operational challenges and implement mitigation strategies to prevent further disruptions.
IndiGo has reassured the regulator that these corrective actions are already underway. The airline emphasized that all measures are being carefully coordinated to stabilize operations and minimize passenger inconvenience. Based on these efforts, IndiGo expects to achieve full operational stability by February 10, 2026, at which point it aims to return to its normal schedule with improved reliability and safety standards.
