In an unprecedented move, the Civil Aviation Ministry on Tuesday ordered IndiGo—India’s largest airline—to slash 10% of its scheduled flights with immediate effect. The directive comes after a week of crippling disruptions that left thousands of passengers stranded, triggered massive social-media outrage, and exposed serious operational gaps within the airline.
The order, described as a temporary but mandatory stabilisation measure, follows a sharp rise in cancellations and irregularities that have overwhelmed airports across the country since early December.
How IndiGo’s Operations Spiraled Out of Control
According to senior officials, the crisis erupted after the rollout of Phase 2 of the Pilot Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules. The new norms, aimed at reducing pilot fatigue, disrupted IndiGo’s internal crew schedule, creating severe shortages and last-minute roster gaps.
Officials say the situation worsened due to poor planning and flawed crew management, which snowballed into a nationwide operational breakdown.
“The airline bears full responsibility for the inconvenience caused to passengers,”
— Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu
The ministry made it clear that the airline’s shortcomings—not the regulations—triggered the crisis.
Minister Summons IndiGo CEO—Twice
In an extraordinary step, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu summoned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers for the second time in 24 hours. A photo shared by the minister on X, showing the CEO sitting with folded hands, quickly went viral, symbolizing the government’s stern stance.
The minister reiterated that IndiGo must restore normalcy without delay and must not pass the burden onto passengers.
DGCA Ordered a 5% Cut, Ministry Doubled It
On Monday, the DGCA had asked IndiGo to cut flights by 5%. But with complaints rising and cancellations continuing, the ministry escalated the action—doubling the reduction to 10%.
IndiGo operates more than 2,200 flights daily, meaning at least 220 flights could be grounded every day until stability returns. The airline must continue servicing all sectors but with reduced frequency.
Refunds, Baggage Chaos Under Watch
During the review meeting, CEO Elbers claimed:
●Refunds for cancellations up to December 6 are complete
●Pending refunds are being cleared
●Mishandled baggage is being traced and returned on priority
The ministry, however, warned the airline that any fare surge, overcharging, or consumer rights violation will lead to strict penalties. All airlines were reminded to follow fare caps and consumer-protection rules without exception.
Full-Scale Investigation Underway
An investigation into IndiGo’s operational lapses is ongoing. Officials are monitoring the airline’s network performance round-the-clock as passenger frustration continues to mount.
The crisis has highlighted deeper concerns about workforce management, contingency planning, and the rising stress on India’s aviation ecosystem during peak travel months.
The IndiGo crisis has triggered the strictest government intervention in recent aviation history. With a 10% flight cut, DGCA oversight, and an ongoing investigation, restoring order and regaining public trust is now IndiGo’s top priority.
If the situation stabilizes in the coming days, the government may consider relaxing the restrictions—but for now, the airline is under intense scrutiny.
