India Warns IndiGo of Regulatory Action Over Mass Cancellations
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced Sunday it has granted additional time to IndiGo Airlines to address a "show-cause" notice demanding justification for why punitive measures should not be imposed.
The initial notice was delivered to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers on December 6, prompting the carrier to seek a deadline extension.
Operational breakdowns stranded thousands of travelers at Indian airports last week after IndiGo proved unable to accommodate Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) that took effect November 1.
IndiGo commands a 60% share of India's domestic aviation market and executes more than 2,000 daily flight operations. The carrier has eliminated over 2,000 flights since last Tuesday.
The cancellation wave simultaneously triggered dramatic ticket price increases throughout India.
The DGCA authorized temporary FDTL exemptions for IndiGo's A320 aircraft fleet to facilitate schedule restoration following the disarray, media reported.
Aviation regulators determined that the "primary cause" of operational failures was IndiGo's inability to establish "adequate arrangements" satisfying revised staffing, duty duration, and scheduling parameters mandated by FDTL regulations.
The framework, created to combat crew exhaustion and enhance safety protocols, required 48 hours of "uninterrupted rest" weekly and restricted pilots and cabin personnel to two consecutive overnight shifts, alongside additional provisions. This necessitated carriers expanding workforce numbers, media reported.
IndiGo stated it has completed $7 million in passenger reimbursements and anticipates normalized operations by December 10, according to media.
Air transportation demand surges in December throughout India coinciding with wedding season and the commencement of school vacation periods.
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