IndiGo chaos deepens! 500 flights grounded as DGCA targets CEO and passengers face nationwide meltdown

The worst-hit cities were Delhi (152 cancellations) and Bengaluru (121), followed by Mumbai (31), Lucknow (26) and Ahmedabad (16), Business Today reported.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday attributed the unprecedented meltdown to issues in IndiGo’s crew rostering and internal planning system. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, he said the airline must comply with Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) for all affected passengers and confirmed that an inquiry has been launched into the software issue.

Naidu noted that regular technological upgrades are part of the aviation ecosystem and stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring India’s aviation sector functions at global standards.

FDTL rule rollout triggers meltdown

IndiGo acknowledged that it failed to adequately prepare for the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms for pilots, which came into effect on November 1.

The new rules enforce stricter night-flying limits and mandatory weekly rest, requiring airlines to redesign crew rosters. IndiGo’s inability to adjust rosters in time triggered a chain reaction—crew shortages, massive delays and hundreds of cancellations across its network.

DGCA issues show-cause notice to CEO

In a rare move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, calling the situation an “operational collapse”.

The regulator said passengers faced “severe inconvenience, hardship and distress” nationwide. It accused IndiGo of failing to prepare for the FDTL regime despite months of advance notice.

The notice also cites violations of multiple Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs), non-compliance with Rule 42A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and failure to provide mandatory support to stranded passengers.

Elbers has 24 hours to respond, after which the DGCA may take a decision ex parte, possibly leading to penalties or operational restrictions.

IndiGo says it is rebuilding trust

Amid the crisis, IndiGo said it has made “early improvements” following a large-scale operational reset. In a video message on Friday, CEO Elbers apologised to passengers and acknowledged the gravity of the disruptions.

The airline said that 95% of its operations have now been restored and stated that it is focused on rebuilding passenger trust after a week of turmoil.