Behind the Flight Deck Meltdown: IndiGo’s Massive Cancellation Crisis Explained
The root cause of IndiGo’s unprecedented disruption lies primarily in the enforcement of the DGCA’s new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, designed to enhance pilot rest periods and safety. Though announced well in advance, IndiGo seemingly failed to fully adapt its crew roster planning to these stricter regulations, leading to acute pilot shortages during one of the busiest travel seasons. The icing on the cake involved harsh winter weather, ground handling constraints, and a cascading effect of delays across India’s major airports—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai witnessed the brunt of cancellations. IndiGo responded by waiving cancellation fees, promising refunds, and working to restore 95% of network connectivity within days. Nevertheless, it’s a cautionary tale of how operational inertia meets regulatory compliance under seasonal pressure to create a perfect storm.
