IndiGo has encountered significant flight cancellations and delays due to an acute shortage of pilots following the introduction of new Flight Duty Time Limitations norms. These regulations include restrictions on weekly rest and night landings, affecting pilot rosters. The airline's operations have been disrupted since the norms took effect.
The Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo is grappling with operational challenges stemming from updated aviation regulations. The new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, aimed at enhancing pilot safety and reducing fatigue, have led to a shortage of available pilots. This scarcity has directly contributed to widespread flight cancellations and delays across the airline's network.
Key aspects of the FDTL norms include mandates for adequate weekly rest periods for pilots, limitations on night landings to prevent exhaustion, and stricter guidelines for pilot rostering. These changes, enforced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), require airlines to adjust schedules more conservatively, resulting in fewer flights being operable with the current pilot workforce.
IndiGo, India's largest domestic airline, has been particularly affected, as the norms came into effect recently. Passengers have reported frustrations with sudden cancellations, impacting travel plans nationwide. While the regulations prioritize crew well-being, they have exposed vulnerabilities in pilot staffing levels within the industry.
Aviation experts note that such norms are standard globally to mitigate risks, but the abrupt implementation has strained Indian carriers. IndiGo has not commented extensively, but the situation underscores the need for expanded pilot training programs to meet regulatory demands.