IndiGo lifts pilot hiring freeze after FDTL waiver amid 1000+ flight cancellations

• IndiGo lifted its pilot hiring freeze for A320 captains and senior first officers, coinciding with a temporary waiver from new FDTL norms.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation granted IndiGo a waiver until Feb 10, 2026, for new FDTL norms, following over 1000 flight cancellations on Dec 5.
• Pilot bodies FIP and ALPA raised concerns; FIP cited a hiring freeze, while ALPA criticized the FDTL waiver for potentially compromising safety.
• IndiGo is seeking Indian nationals/OCI cardholders with specific A320 flying experience and an accident-free record for pilot positions.
• The airline is also hiring female cabin attendants and is actively working to stabilize operations after widespread flight delays and cancellations.

Why It Matters: Waiver of pilot fatigue rules raises safety concerns for air travel.