IndiGo seeks more time to respond to DGCA notices

IndiGo seeks more time to reply to DGCA over flight disruptions tied to new crew duty norms, citing weather, congestion, technical issues & rostering changes

IndiGo has requested additional time from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to submit a detailed reply to show cause notices issued to its top leadership over recent large‑scale flight disruptions. The notices were directed at Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras, following passenger complaints and operational chaos linked to the rollout of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms.

In its preliminary response, signed jointly by both executives, the airline expressed regret to affected passengers. IndiGo attributed the disruptions to a mix of factors including technical glitches, seasonal schedule adjustments, adverse weather, airport congestion, and the transition to updated crew rostering rules. These challenges, the airline said, had a direct impact on punctuality and crew availability.

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The DGCA has formed a panel to investigate the root causes of the crisis. The committee is examining manpower planning, pilot rostering systems, and the airline’s preparedness for the revised duty and rest requirements. It has been tasked with submitting its findings within 15 days.

IndiGo, meanwhile, claims to have 'rebooted' its network by cancelling a significant number of flights to ease congestion, reposition aircraft and crew, and clear backlogs. The airline says it offered meals, hotel stays, transport, and refunds to stranded passengers. Regulators are now assessing whether these measures were adequate and whether enforcement action is warranted.

The probe marks one of the most serious regulatory reviews faced by India’s largest carrier in recent years.

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