Centre cuts IndiGo operations by 10%, doubling DGCA's 5% order
What's the story
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed IndiGo to reduce its flight schedule by 10% across all sectors. The move comes after a meeting between Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. The decision is aimed at stabilizing the airline's operations and reducing cancellations. Since the airline operates over 2,200 flights each day, a 10% reduction will see the cancellation of more than 200 flights.
Compliance assured
IndiGo to comply with operation curtailment order
Naidu confirmed this on X, saying that IndiGo will operate on the same routes with a "curtailment of 10%." He added that Elbers confirmed 100% refunds for flights affected till December 6 have been completed. "The Ministry considers it necessary to curtail the overall IndiGo routes, which will help in stabilising the airline's operations and lead to reduced cancellations," Naidu said.
Schedule revision
DGCA orders 10% reduction in IndiGo's winter schedule
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had earlier ordered a 5% reduction in IndiGo's flight schedule across sectors, especially on high-demand routes. The regulator had asked the airline to avoid flights on such routes and submit a revised schedule by December 10, 2025. The DGCA noted that while IndiGo increased its departures over previous schedules, it hadn't demonstrated the capability to operate efficiently.
Recovery progress
IndiGo's operations stabilize after disruptions
Starting Monday, IndiGo had resumed services to all 138 destinations in its network and returned to normal on-time performance. On Tuesday, Elbers said that the airline's operations have been fully stabilized from Tuesday, ahead of the previously estimated period between December 10 and 15. The airline operated over 1,800 flights on Tuesday, up from a low of 706 flights on December 5.
Schedule approval
New rules non-negotiable: Aviation minister
IndiGo faced a massive operational meltdown after new passenger safety norms were implemented. The rules were aimed at addressing pilot fatigue by increasing downtime. This necessitated hiring more pilots, a challenge for IndiGo which usually emphasizes minimizing downtime. As a result, the airline faced crew shortages and subsequently canceled hundreds of flights. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that revised pilot and crew rostering rules are non-negotiable and strict action will be taken against IndiGo.