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IndiGo Cancels 400+ Flights After Pilot-Rest Rule Shift as DGCA Eases Duty Limits

New duty-time limits forced roster changes that exposed weaknesses in IndiGo’s scheduling.

Overview

  • India’s largest carrier saw hundreds of cancellations and widespread delays on December 5, including more than 220 flights grounded in Delhi.
  • The phased Flight Duty Time Limitations introduced in 2025 mandate longer pilot rest and curb night operations, straining crew rosters.
  • The aviation regulator granted temporary relief by easing certain norms, including night-operation limits and allowing weekly rest to substitute for leave.
  • IndiGo’s vast scale—about 65% domestic share, 2,700+ daily flights and 137+ destinations—heightened the impact of the disruptions and slowed recovery.
  • Attention has centered on co‑founder Rahul Bhatia as managing director, with reports diverging on his wealth, from Forbes at $8.1 billion to claims exceeding $10 billion.