IndiGo shares plummet 8% due to FDTL crew crunch; DGCA relaxes rules

• IndiGo shares dropped 8% in five days due to thousands of flight cancellations caused by a severe crew shortage.
• The cancellations stem from disruptions triggered by new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, which mandate longer rest periods for pilots.
• IndiGo, controlling nearly 60% of India's domestic aviation, apologized for the chaos and admitted internal misjudgments in adapting to the new FDTL norms.
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued temporary relaxations to FDTL rules, allowing more night landings and lifting restrictions on consecutive night duties for pilots.
• These DGCA exemptions are in place until February 10, with reviews every 15 days, as IndiGo aims to stabilize operations by February 10, 2026.

Why It Matters: IndiGo's crew shortage and flight cancellations may impact your air travel.