DGCA Relaxes Pilot Duty Rules After IndiGo Flight Cancellations Spark Nationwide Disruption

India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued an immediate relaxation of certain pilot duty regulations after IndiGo faced a significant shortage of crew, leading to widespread flight cancellations across the country.

The DGCA announced that it has eased a rule which previously prevented airlines from combining pilots’ weekly rest periods with their leave.

The regulator said the change was necessary to stabilise operations during the ongoing disruptions.

Citing the difficulties airlines are currently encountering, the DGCA stated, “In view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations, it has been considered necessary to review the said provision.”

The regulator said the instruction that barred staff from using leave as weekly rest no longer applies, effective immediately.

The situation drew political attention as the cancellation of nearly 500 IndiGo flights caused uproar in Parliament, where opposition leaders blamed the airline for unfair practices and questioned the government’s regulation of the sector.

Meanwhile, Delhi Airport issued a notice informing that all IndiGo domestic departures from the capital on 5 December 2025 suspended until midnight. It confirmed that flights of other airlines would continue as planned.

Growing Concerns Over Operational Stability

In November alone, IndiGo experienced more than 1,200 cancellations throughout its network, adding to concerns over operational stability as the busy travel season approaches.

The government has said it is closely observing IndiGo’s recovery efforts while ensuring passengers receive proper assistance.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation convened a high-level review meeting to evaluate the airline’s response and future planning.

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu expressed dissatisfaction with how IndiGo handled the transition to new safety-focused duty rules, stating that the airline had sufficient time to prepare for the change. He instructed IndiGo to restore normal schedules urgently and prevent any surge in airfares.

The Minister also directed the airline to provide passengers with timely updates regarding potential cancellations and to ensure immediate support, including accommodation where necessary, to minimise inconvenience for affected travellers.

Also Read: Delhi Airport Issues Alert As IndiGo Scraps All Domestic Departures Until Midnight