IndiGo Pilot Crisis: Airline Cut Crew Despite Knowing FDTL Impact

• IndiGo's network collapse resulted from under-preparation and a reduced pilot workforce, not a sudden event.
• IndiGo warned the DGCA in December 2024 that new FDTL rules would increase pilot requirements by 3%.
• Despite this, IndiGo's pilot count decreased by 378 between March and December 2025.
• During the crisis, only 4,551 pilots were available, exacerbating the shortage.
• IndiGo opposed FDTL night restrictions, suggesting reliance on regulatory leniency instead of increasing pilot strength.

Why It Matters: This exposes how IndiGo's self-inflicted pilot shortage disrupts passenger travel.