'Weather, roster rules': IndiGo lists 5 reasons for flight disruptions; what it told DGCA

NEW DELHI: IndiGo on Monday replied to the DGCA’s show-cause notice, saying it is “realistically not possible to pinpoint the exact cause(s)” immediately due to the complexity and scale of its operations. The response addressed the recent large-scale operational disruptions and flight cancellations across the airline’s network.

The reply by the airline’s chief executive officer and chief operating officer, was submitted, with the airline requesting additional time to complete a comprehensive Root Cause Analysis (RCA).


"The airline notes that the DGCA’s manual allows a fifteen-day response timeline for show-cause notices, suggesting more time is needed to conduct a comprehensive Root Cause Analysis (RCA). The complete RCA will be shared once finished," the statement read.

In its submission, IndiGo expressed that it is “profusely apologetic” and deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline attributed the disruptions to the “compounding effect of multiple factors,” which coincided in an “unfortunate and unforeseeable confluence.”The DGCA had earlier granted a one-time 24-hour extension to IndiGo respond to its showcause notice, setting the new deadline at 6 pm on Monday. The regulator warned that failure to meet the deadline would lead to the matter being decided ex-parte.

The notice cited “significant lapses in planning, oversight and resource management” as the primary reasons behind the airline’s large-scale operational failure.

IndiGo outlines ‘preliminary factors’ behind disruption

Preliminary factors cited by IndiGo included minor technical glitches, schedule changes linked to the winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system, and challenges arising from the implementation of updated crew-rostering rules (Flight Duty Time Limitation Phase II). The airline added that it had been engaging with the DGCA regarding difficulties in implementing FDTL Phase II and had sought variations, exemptions, or extensions.

IndiGo said the disruptions began in early December when these factors collectively affected crew availability and on-time network performance. To manage the situation, the airline carried out a network "reboot” on 5 December, involving a large number of cancellations to recover stranded passengers, ease airport congestion, and reposition crew and aircraft. Services began normalizing from 6 December onwards.

The airline also stated that it provided timely notifications and assistance to passengers, including meals, refreshments, hotels, and local transport, in line with DGCA requirements. Substantial refunds have reportedly been processed for most affected customers.

The DGCA is currently examining IndiGo’s response and said that enforcement action, if deemed necessary, will be taken in due course.

The current disruption is linked to the implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules for pilots, which impose longer weekly rest periods, stricter night duty limits, and reduced night landings.

Initially opposed by domestic carriers including IndiGo and Air India, the rules were phased in during July and November following Delhi High Court directions. IndiGo has obtained temporary relaxations for the second phase of the norms until February 10.IndiGo’s operational crisis entered its seventh day on Monday, with over 500 flights cancelled across major airports, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across the country.
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