New Delhi – In a dramatic move aimed at stabilizing India’s domestic aviation sector, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday withdrew the recently implemented weekly roster norm requiring pilots to take designated weekly rest periods. The decision comes in the wake of unprecedented disruptions at IndiGo, which has cancelled more than 1,000 flights over the past four days, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across major airports in the country.

The cancellations have particularly affected key aviation hubs, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, where hundreds of departures and arrivals were abruptly scrapped, creating chaos for both travelers and airport operations. The DGCA cited the need to “ensure continuity and stability of operations” as the primary reason for rescinding the rules on pilot rest substitution, emphasizing that the withdrawal would take effect immediately.

IndiGo’s Operational Collapse

The Gurugram-based airline, which operates more than 2,200 flights daily—nearly double that of Air India—has faced severe operational challenges this week. IndiGo grounded all its flights from Delhi until midnight on Friday and suspended departures from Chennai until 6 PM, citing a combination of “minor technical glitches, winter schedule changes, congestion, and adverse weather conditions.”

However, industry insiders and aviation regulators indicate that the primary cause of the disruption was the implementation of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)—a set of new crew rest and duty-hour regulations introduced to mitigate pilot fatigue. Despite having two years to prepare for the FDTL rules, IndiGo admitted on Thursday to regulators that “misjudgment and planning gaps” had caused a systemic breakdown. The airline’s on-time performance (OTP) plummeted to a historic low of 8.5%, marking the largest operational meltdown in its two-decade history.

The Scale of the Crisis

The scale of IndiGo’s operational network amplifies the impact of even minor disruptions. With over 2,200 daily flights, a 10% disruption can affect 200–400 flights, stranding thousands of passengers. On Friday alone, Delhi Airport recorded 135 cancelled departures and 90 arrivals, Bengaluru saw 52 arrivals and 50 departures scrapped, and Hyderabad logged 92 cancellations. Nationwide, more than 600 flights were cancelled within just 48 hours—a record-breaking disruption for the airline that controls approximately 60% of India’s domestic market.

Travelers have faced frustration and confusion, with many left waiting at airports for hours, attempting to secure alternate flights or refunds. The disruptions have affected not only business travelers and tourists but also critical personal events, such as weddings and family functions, which have had to be rearranged or attended virtually.

DGCA’s Response

In a notification issued on Friday, the DGCA stated: “In view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations, the instruction contained in the referenced paragraph that no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect.”

The regulator’s decision highlights the tension between enforcing safety regulations—intended to prevent pilot fatigue—and maintaining operational reliability in India’s fast-growing aviation market. While FDTL rules are designed to ensure pilots are adequately rested and reduce the risk of fatigue-related incidents, their abrupt implementation exposed weaknesses in airline planning and roster management.

Challenges of India’s Aviation Market

IndiGo’s dominance in the domestic market makes it particularly vulnerable to operational disruptions. Any lapse in planning has a cascading effect across the network, affecting thousands of passengers and straining airport infrastructure. Unlike smaller carriers, where a flight cancellation might impact only a few dozen travelers, a similar disruption at IndiGo can create nationwide chaos.

The airline has acknowledged that the crisis is not limited to pilot rostering issues but also involves “a multitude of unforeseen operational challenges.” While technical glitches, congestion, and adverse weather contributed, the FDTL-related roster adjustments remain the central factor behind the mass cancellations.

Passenger Impact and Industry Response

Passengers caught in the chaos have faced uncertainty, with many waiting for hours for flight updates or seeking alternative travel arrangements. The situation has drawn significant media attention, prompting discussions about the balance between regulatory compliance and operational feasibility in India’s aviation sector.

Experts suggest that the DGCA’s withdrawal of the weekly rest norm is a temporary measure to stabilize operations. “The regulator’s decision is aimed at preventing further disruption and ensuring passengers can travel safely and efficiently,” said an aviation consultant familiar with the matter. “However, airlines will still need to manage pilot fatigue carefully to maintain safety standards.”

Looking Ahead

IndiGo has indicated that it expects normalcy to return gradually, though the immediate outlook remains challenging. The airline has warned that cancellations will continue through December 8, followed by a period of reduced flight capacity as operations stabilize. Regulators and industry analysts continue to monitor the situation closely, noting that the crisis offers lessons for better planning and contingency management in India’s rapidly expanding domestic aviation market.

For passengers, the incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant, check flight statuses frequently, and be aware of their legal rights regarding delays and cancellations. The ongoing crisis underscores the fragility of India’s airline operations in the face of regulatory changes, extreme weather, and logistical challenges, even for the country’s largest carrier.