Why IndiGo Flights Are Getting Cancelled: Understanding the New Rules & the Reality Behind the Chaos

You have already watched the Indigo fiasco of cancelling the flights in the name of staff limitations. The DGCA had implemented the new rule in 2023. Under the new rules, the weekly rest period for pilots was increased to 48 hours from 36, night landings were limited to two from six earlier and consecutive night duties were limited to just two days a week. And many more rules were introduced to make life a bit easier for the staff. Two years were given to every airline to implement their staff system according to these rules. Most Airlines implemented these rules within the given period. However, Indigo flight fails to do so and starts blaming the DGCA’s new regulations for this chaos. As they acquire 60% of the airline sector and fly around 2300 flights daily, but are now operating only 1650 flights.

In this power game by Indigo to make DGCA lenient in their new rule, the only section struggling is the Indian citizen. They are waiting for their flight to resume to attend their own marriage or visit their late family member. Some had a competitive exam or were about to join a new job in another state. On the other side, Indigo Staff members are also frustrated with this situation and want a resolution.

This blog explains the situation in a balanced, neutral, and fact-based way — so you understand both why the rules changed and why airlines like IndiGo are struggling.

What Changed: DGCA’s New FDTL Rules

India’s aviation regulator — DGCA — recently implemented changes to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL).
These rules decide how long pilots and crew can work, and how much rest they must get between flights.

Key changes include:

• Weekly rest increased from 36 hours to 48 hours
• Night-landing limit reduced from 6 per week to 2
• Night-duty timings extended by 1 hour
• Stricter limits on consecutive long shifts

Why did DGCA change the rules?

Safety.
Aviation experts have been asking for stricter rules because tired pilots = unsafe skies.
Globally, airlines follow strict fatigue-management systems. India updated its rules to match international standards and reduce pilot fatigue.

So, the intention behind the new rules is absolutely positive:
✔️ safer flights
✔️ better rest
✔️ fewer fatigue-related risks

Why IndiGo Was Hit the Hardest

IndiGo is India’s largest airline — operating 1,800+ flights daily.
A change in crew-duty rules affects all airlines, but big airlines feel it first, especially when their business model depends on tight scheduling and high frequency flights.

Some reasons IndiGo is struggling more:

1. Large scale, limited buffer

IndiGo schedules large numbers of short domestic flights.
Even a small crew shortage causes a chain reaction across airports.

2. Lean staffing strategy

Reports suggest that IndiGo did not increase its pilot numbers enough before the new rules.
This meant that when the new FDTL norms kicked in, many pilots became “unavailable” due to mandatory rest.

3. More night flights

IndiGo operates a high number of early-morning and late-night flights — the category most affected by the new duty restrictions.

4. Fleet expansion without adequate crew growth

The airline added new aircraft but did not grow pilot strength at the same pace.

Result: Massive Cancellations & Delays

When the new rules came into effect, the crew available per day dropped sharply.
The outcome was immediate:

• Numerous flights cancelled
• Long delays
• Crowded airports
• Frustrated passengers
• Pressure on customer support
• Slow Plan B processing (refund/reschedule)

This was not unique to IndiGo, but because it operates the most flights in India, the impact was most visible there.

The Balanced Reality: Safety vs Business Constraints

This situation isn’t simply about “IndiGo’s failure” or “DGCA’s fault.”
It’s the result of both sides trying to do the right thing — but at the same time.

DGCA’s Perspective: Passenger Safety

• Fatigue is one of the biggest threats in aviation.
• India needed updated rules for years.
• Longer rest = safer skies.

The new rules protect passengers in the long run.

Airlines’ Perspective: Operational Pressure

• Sudden changes in duty rules require more pilots.
• Hiring and training new crew takes months.
• Adjusting schedules for 1,800+ flights daily is not easy.

The airline industry cannot transform overnight.

Passengers’ Perspective: Travel Disruptions

• Missed events
• Uncertain travel plans
• Difficulty getting refunds or alternative flights

Passengers are bearing the immediate inconvenience.

What Happens Next?

The government and DGCA are already reviewing the situation.
Some temporary relaxations have been discussed to ease the pressure while airlines adjust.

Meanwhile, IndiGo plans to:

• Increase pilot recruitment
• Rework flight schedules
• Reduce dependence on tight rotations
• Improve Plan B refund/reschedule support

The system should stabilize in the coming weeks — but airlines will need time to fully adjust to the new rules.

Conclusion

The recent IndiGo crisis shows how sensitive the aviation system is — even a small rule change can impact thousands of flights. But the intention behind the new FDTL norms is safety first, which is essential for long-term reliability.

In the end, a safer and more reliable aviation environment benefits everyone — even if the transition period feels chaotic.