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IndiGo Cancels 550+ Flights After Pilot‑Rest Rule Shift Exposes Rostering Gaps

The aviation regulator moved to real‑time inspections after the airline admitted it misjudged crew needs under the tightened duty‑time norms.

Overview

  • IndiGo told the DGCA it expects more disruptions for two to three days, will cut schedules from December 8, and is targeting fully stable operations by February 10, 2026.
  • The Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA deployed officers to the airline’s control centres, began field inspections at major airports, and ordered a mitigation roadmap with fortnightly progress reports.
  • Authorities directed the carrier to improve passenger support, proactively inform travellers of likely cancellations, and ensure the situation does not lead to higher fares.
  • IndiGo data showed required A320 crew under the new rules rose to 2,422 captains and 2,153 first officers, versus about 2,357 captains and 2,194 first officers available.
  • The airline cited additional pressures including technology glitches, weather and ATC congestion, and a recent Airbus A320 software update, as chaotic scenes and protests were reported at several airports and parking bay bottlenecks hit other carriers.