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DGCA Grants Temporary FDTL Relief to IndiGo, Withdraws Weekly‑Rest Instruction

The time‑bound waiver runs to February 10 with 15‑day reviews under a stated safety‑first mandate.

Overview

  • The regulator approved a one‑time exemption for IndiGo’s A320 operations from specific night‑duty provisions under Phase‑II, including duties that encroach 0000–0500.
  • Separately, the DGCA withdrew its instruction on weekly rest, allowing airlines to count pilot leave toward the 48‑hour rest requirement to accelerate roster realignment.
  • IndiGo told the regulator the disruption arose from Phase‑II limits and acknowledged inadequate crew planning and rostering that led to widespread cancellations.
  • Conditions include fortnightly progress reports and a 30‑day roadmap to full compliance, with mandatory 15‑day reviews and the option to revoke the relief at any time in the interest of safety.
  • The action followed severe operational disruption, with reports of more than 550 IndiGo cancellations in a single day, as authorities moved to stabilise schedules and restore passenger services.