Published: 4 December 2025SCC OnlineGeneral
DGCA Grants IndiGo Temporary Exemption from FDTL Night Duty Rules Amid Flight Crisis
On December 5, with IndiGo's flight cancellation crisis peaking at roughly 1,600 cancellations in a single day, the DGCA granted IndiGo a temporary exemption from some of the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, notably the night duty rules and leave-for-rest norms. The exemption was extended until February 10, 2026, with periodic review every 15 days and a mandate for IndiGo to submit a roadmap to full compliance.
IndiGo promised full refunds for all passengers affected by cancellations from December 3-5. The DGCA ordered the airline to complete all pending refunds by the following day. As fares on other airlines surged in response to the crisis, the Union government placed temporary price caps on airfares. The DGCA later (December 9) ordered 5% cuts to IndiGo's flight schedule, later amended to 10%.
0Mains angle
Q: Temporary regulatory exemptions from flight duty time norms during operational crises pose a dilemma between passenger safety and service continuity. Discuss with reference to the DGCA-IndiGo episode.
Answer (50 words):
On December 5, DGCA exempted IndiGo from night-duty FDTL rules amid 1,600 daily cancellations, extending relief until February 10, 2026 with 15-day reviews. Refunds were mandated, airfare caps imposed, and schedule cuts ordered. Such waivers must balance crew fatigue safety against passenger continuity, demanding compliance roadmaps and transparent oversight.
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Linked questionMedium
What does FDTL stand for in DGCA aviation regulations?
Explanation · Correct answer BFDTL stands for Flight Duty Time Limitations, which regulate pilots' working hours for safety.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the DGCA grant IndiGo a temporary exemption on December 5?
It granted the exemption as IndiGo's flight cancellation crisis peaked at roughly 1,600 cancellations in a single day.
Which FDTL provisions were relaxed, and until when did the exemption run?
The exemption covered some of the new FDTL rules, notably the night duty rules and leave-for-rest norms. It was extended until February 10, 2026, with periodic review every 15 days and a mandate for IndiGo to submit a roadmap to full compliance.
What refund orders followed for passengers affected from December 3-5?
IndiGo promised full refunds for all passengers affected by cancellations from December 3-5. The DGCA ordered the airline to complete all pending refunds by the following day.
What fare and schedule measures followed the crisis?
As fares on other airlines surged, the Union government placed temporary price caps on airfares. The DGCA later ordered 5% cuts to IndiGo's flight schedule on December 9, later amended to 10%.
