IndiGo Stumbles: Pilot Shortage, New DGCA Rules Ground Hundreds of Flights

• IndiGo cancelled hundreds of flights nationwide due to new pilot duty rules and a "lean-staffing" model.
• Revised DGCA Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) increased pilot rest, exposing IndiGo's pilot shortage and aggressive operating strategy.
• The cancellations caused widespread chaos for tens of thousands of passengers, disrupting travel plans and leading to airport congestion.
• Regulators intervened with temporary rule exemptions for IndiGo's A320 fleet, fare caps, and show-cause notices to the airline's leadership.
• IndiGo apologized, offered refunds and waivers, and aims to restore normal operations between December 10 and 15.

Why It Matters: IndiGo's crisis reveals how airline staffing and new rules can severely disrupt your travel.