DGCA's Safety vs. Stability Dilemma: IndiGo Chaos Forces Rule Rollback

• DGCA faces a dilemma balancing safety norms (FDTL) with market stability, particularly concerning IndiGo's flight cancellations.
• Stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for pilots led to mass flight cancellations, primarily by IndiGo, due to inadequate planning for crew availability.
• IndiGo admitted planning gaps, causing up to 170-200 daily flight cancellations after new FDTL rules took effect.
• DGCA temporarily eased certain FDTL restrictions for IndiGo to stabilize air travel, including provisions on weekly rest and night duty.
• The DGCA's rollback of FDTL rules is controversial, drawing criticism from pilot bodies who allege airlines pressured the regulator.

Why It Matters: DGCA's strict flight safety rules caused airline chaos, highlighting a tough regulatory balance.