DGCA relaxes pilot weekly rest rules to combat IndiGo's mass flight cancellation crisis

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday relaxed pilot duty rules with immediate effect following a severe staff shortage at low-cost carrier IndiGo, which led to the cancellation of numerous flights nationwide.

To address the escalating crisis, the DGCA withdrew its prior directive that "no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest," allowing airlines greater flexibility to manage pilot leaves and ensure operational continuity.

This regulatory easing came amid widespread disruption caused by IndiGo’s cancellation of nearly 500 flights, sparking criticism in Parliament, where opposition members accused the airline of monopolistic behaviour and the government of lax oversight.

Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory stating that all IndiGo domestic flights departing the airport on December 5 were cancelled until midnight, while other carriers’ operations proceeded as scheduled.

In November, IndiGo recorded 1,232 flight cancellations across its network.

The government is closely monitoring IndiGo’s recovery and passenger support efforts until full stability is restored.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu convened a high-level meeting with IndiGo’s senior management, DGCA, Ministry officials, and the Airports Authority of India, expressing dissatisfaction with the airline’s handling of the situation.

Naidu emphasised that sufficient preparation time was available to comply with new regulations and directed IndiGo to promptly normalise operations, prevent airfare hikes, proactively inform passengers of cancellations, and provide necessary facilities, including hotel accommodations, to ease traveller inconvenience.

With inputs from IANS