Overview
- India’s largest carrier cancelled hundreds of flights, prompting the regulator to grant time‑bound exemptions to parts of the CAR 2024 fatigue norms to stabilise operations.
- Caps on weekly night landings and on night flight duty have been suspended for IndiGo until February 10, 2026, while the 48‑hour weekly rest rule remains in force and the leave–rest separation is temporarily waived for all airlines.
- IndiGo admitted roster‑planning failures for the tighter regime; DGCA data shows pilots‑in‑command needed rose to 2,422 versus 2,357 employed after a 9.6% winter capacity increase.
- The DGCA ordered 15‑day progress reviews and set up a four‑member committee to investigate the disruptions and recommend corrective steps.
- Pilot unions and aviation experts warned that easing fatigue protections compromises safety, and a representation asked Chief Justice Surya Kant to consider Supreme Court action for oversight and passenger safeguards.