Centre finally aligns IndiGo flights with airline's operating ability, cuts its winter schedule by 5%

This directive follows widespread disruptions last week, during which hundreds of IndiGo flights were cancelled daily, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and triggering public outrage.

A five percent cut translates to roughly 110 fewer flights daily, a significant operational setback for the country’s largest airline. 

 

According to the government, the freed-up flight slots will be reallocated to other carriers to minimise further inconvenience for travellers.

In its notification, the DGCA said it reviewed IndiGo’s approved Winter Schedule 2025 after the airline’s severe operational breakdown last week. 

 

The regulator noted that IndiGo had been permitted 15,014 weekly departures for November, amounting to 64,346 flights for the entire month. 

 

However, operational data revealed that only 59,438 flights were actually flown, with 951 cancellations recorded.

The DGCA also highlighted the disparity between the airline’s projected capacity and its actual capability. 

 

Despite being cleared for a six percent schedule increase for the summer of 2025 with 403 aircraft, IndiGo operated only 339 aircraft in October and 344 in November. 

 

The regulator concluded that while the airline expanded its departures by nearly 10 percent over Winter 2024, it failed to demonstrate the ability to handle the increased scale without major disruptions.

Citing this mismatch, the DGCA has directed IndiGo to reduce its schedule across sectors by five percent, with particular emphasis on high-frequency routes. 

 

The regulator also instructed the airline to avoid single-flight operations on any sector to ensure better network stability.

 

'Internal crisis'

 

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, who had earlier warned of “exemplary action,” reiterated in Parliament that the government would not tolerate mismanagement affecting passenger safety and convenience. 

 

“We care for pilots, crew and passengers,” the minister said. “IndiGo was expected to manage its roster and staff requirements. 

 

Passengers suffered considerable hardship. We are conducting a detailed inquiry, and strict action will be taken to set an example for all airlines.”

While the government maintained that India has the potential to support at least five major carriers and that more players are welcome in the aviation sector, Opposition members expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s response and staged a walkout.

 

Week-long mayhem

 

The crisis at airports over the past week unfolded as multiple IndiGo flights were abruptly cancelled, disrupting weddings, holidays, business travel and medical appointments. 

 

Confusion and frustration mounted as stranded passengers waited for hours with limited information.

The root of the crisis lay in the implementation of flight-duty-time limitations introduced nearly two years ago to prevent pilot fatigue — a major contributor to aviation accidents worldwide. 

 

The new rules required airlines to expand pilot strength and rework rosters to provide increased downtime. 

 

IndiGo, known for its tight scheduling and high aircraft utilisation, reportedly faced a crew shortage as the norms came into effect, resulting in a wave of cancellations.

As the situation escalated, the DGCA temporarily eased certain norms to stabilise the system. 

 

However, the government made it clear that regulatory relaxations do not absolve airlines of their responsibility to maintain operational discipline.

With the five percent schedule reduction coming into force, IndiGo faces the dual challenge of restoring public confidence and realigning its operations while the government intensifies scrutiny of aviation safety and management practices.