New Delhi: The Central government has announced that flight schedules for IndiGo Airlines are expected to stabilize by Saturday, with a full return to normal operations anticipated within three days, providing relief to passengers affected by unprecedented cancellations. The announcement comes as the airline recorded more than 500 flight cancellations for the second consecutive day.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, issuing a statement on Friday, said a high-level inquiry would be conducted to examine the causes of the disruption and assign accountability. Responding swiftly, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) constituted a four-member committee to investigate the circumstances that led to widespread delays and cancellations.
In a bid to minimize further inconvenience, the Centre has temporarily suspended certain provisions of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), which regulate pilots’ and crew rest periods. Minister Naidu clarified that the decision was made in the interest of passengers and emphasized that air safety would not be compromised. He added that immediate operational measures have been directed to ensure services are restored at the earliest.
Passengers have been assured of real-time flight updates, automatic refunds for cancelled bookings, and hotel accommodations for those stranded overnight. Special attention will be given to senior citizens and differently-abled passengers, including lounge access, refreshments, and essential services to ensure their travel remains as comfortable as possible.
The high-level inquiry, as explained by Naidu, will investigate operational lapses within IndiGo, determine accountability, and recommend measures to prevent future disruptions. The DGCA noted that despite ample notice to comply with revised FDTL norms, IndiGo had the highest number of cancellations in November, indicating potential deficiencies in internal oversight and preparedness.
The regulator has also relaxed FDTL norms, allowing pilots to fly up to 14 consecutive hours instead of the previous 12, a move criticized by opposition parties and aviation experts who accused the government of yielding to pressure from IndiGo, which handles nearly two-thirds of India’s domestic traffic. Addressing concerns, Naidu reiterated that the temporary relaxation prioritizes passenger convenience without compromising safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, students, and patients relying on timely air travel.
“Passenger care, safety, and convenience continue to remain the highest priority of the Government of India,” the minister concluded, signalling decisive steps to restore confidence in the nation’s largest domestic carrier.