The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday granted IndiGo Airlines a one-time temporary exemption from specific Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) to stabilise operations and reduce passenger disruptions.
The relaxation, applicable to the airline’s A320 fleet, covers provisions related to night duty between 0000 and 0650 hours and restrictions on night operations under the revised FDTL CAR Section 7 Series J Part III Rev 2 Phase-II.
The exemption will remain valid until February 10, 2026.
As per news agency ANI, the regulator said the decision has been taken “in public interest” to ensure continuity of essential air services, while maintaining that the operator remains primarily responsible for the inconvenience caused to passengers.
DGCA stressed that all safety requirements must continue to be strictly observed and noted that the approval may be revoked if safety is compromised.
In its statement, DGCA said, “Accordingly in public interest, DGCA hereby grants a temporary one-time exemption to M/s Indigo for A320 fleet operations from the following provisions…” including Para 3.11 related to night duty timings and Para 6.1.4 for operations encroaching night duty.
Under the approval conditions, IndiGo must submit fortnightly reports on crew utilisation, measures to improve crew availability, operability improvements and revised rostering.
The airline has also been directed to submit a roadmap within 30 days for achieving full FDTL compliance.
IndiGo had earlier approached DGCA citing severe operational disruptions following the implementation of Phase-II FDTL rules, pointing to crew shortages and inadequate preparedness for revised rostering requirements.
The airline has since faced widespread cancellations, including a full-day cancellation of all domestic departures from Delhi Airport on December 5.
In a public apology, IndiGo acknowledged a “serious operational crisis” that led to long queues, limited passenger information and what it said would be the “highest number of cancellations” on Friday.
Earlier statements from DGCA pointed to a sector under strain due to operational constraints, unpredictable weather and rising seasonal demand, with more than 500 IndiGo flights delayed or cancelled on Friday.
The regulator appealed to pilot bodies for full cooperation as the industry enters the fog season and peak holiday travel period, and reiterated that it remains committed to implementing FDTL regulations “in letter and spirit.”
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