India warns top airline over travel disruptions

(MENAFN) India’s civil aviation authority has issued a warning to the country’s largest airline after thousands of passengers were stranded due to the carrier’s inability to comply with new duty time restrictions for flight crews, according to reports.

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) extended a deadline for IndiGo Airlines to respond to a “show-cause” notice initially sent to CEO Pieter Elbers on December 6, asking why regulatory action should not be taken. The airline requested additional time to reply.

Flight disruptions last week affected thousands of travelers after IndiGo struggled to implement Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), which came into effect on November 1. With a 60% share of India’s domestic market and more than 2,000 daily flights, IndiGo has canceled over 2,000 flights since last Tuesday, prompting a surge in airfares nationwide.

The DGCA temporarily relaxed FDTL requirements for IndiGo’s A320 fleet to help restore operations, citing the airline’s failure to make “adequate arrangements” to meet revised staffing, duty, and rostering rules. The FDTL regulations, aimed at addressing crew fatigue and improving safety, require 48 hours of uninterrupted rest per week and limit pilots and cabin crew to two consecutive night duties, among other measures, necessitating additional crew hires.

IndiGo reported it has processed around $7 million in passenger refunds and expects flight operations to normalize by December 10. The disruptions coincided with India’s peak travel period during wedding season and school holidays.

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