IndiGo Crisis: DGCA Grills CEO Over Pilot Shortage, Flight Cancellations

• IndiGo faced a major flight cancellation crisis from December 2, caused by a pilot shortage after new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules took effect on November 1.
• Over 5,000 flights were cancelled by December 11, impacting millions of passengers and resulting in over ₹610 crore in refunds; December 5 was the worst day with 1600+ cancellations.
• The DGCA intervened, summoning IndiGo's CEO multiple times, forming a committee, ordering inspections, and considering penalties for the airline.
• IndiGo apologized, claimed operations were stabilizing, offered travel vouchers, and initiated recruitment for additional pilots and crew.
• Potential consequences include DGCA penalties, a 10% reduction in IndiGo's winter schedule, and a Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigation into market dominance.

Why It Matters: IndiGo's crisis highlights airline accountability and passenger rights amid operational failures.