Pilots' SAFETY WARNING! IndiGo faces fury over FDTL rules; 500+ flights DELAYED!

The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) has lodged a strong protest with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding specific exemptions granted to IndiGo Airlines under the revised Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations. This development coincides with significant operational disruptions affecting IndiGo, including over 500 flight delays and cancellations on Friday.

ALPA India's Strong Objections

• ALPA India expressed deep concern and disappointment over the DGCA's decision to provide "selective and unsafe dispensations" to IndiGo.
• The association stated that these exemptions contradict prior agreements and discussions with the DGCA, where it was explicitly decided that no exemptions would be granted for commercial interests.
• ALPA India argues that these FDTL norms are crucial for safeguarding pilot alertness and, consequently, passenger safety, and any dilution poses unacceptable risks.

Widespread Flight Disruptions

• IndiGo experienced a severe operational breakdown, with over 500 flights delayed or cancelled on Friday alone.
• This led to considerable inconvenience for thousands of travellers nationwide.
• Delhi Airport reported cancellation of all IndiGo flights departing until midnight on Friday.

DGCA's Stance and IndiGo's Request

• The DGCA acknowledged IndiGo's operational issues, attributing them to transitional challenges in implementing the FDTL Phase 2, crew-planning gaps, and winter-season constraints.
• IndiGo has requested temporary operational exemptions for its A320 fleet until February 10, 2026, assuring that operational stability will be restored by then.
• The revised fatigue-management rules (FDTL CAR) were implemented in two phases on July 1 and November 1, 2025, following court directions.

Specific Violations Alleged

• ALPA India highlighted that the night definition has been relaxed, and permitted landings encroaching on night hours have been doubled from two to four.
• This directly contradicts the original CAR issued by the DGCA and fundamentally weakens the safety intent of the regulation.

Demands for Action

• ALPA India is calling for the immediate withdrawal of all selective dispensations granted to IndiGo.
• They also demand a thorough investigation into allegations of an "artificial pilot-shortage" narrative being created.
• The association seeks punitive action against the responsible IndiGo management and full enforcement of FDTL CAR without any exemptions.

Impact

• This situation could lead to increased scrutiny of aviation safety regulations and their enforcement by the DGCA.
• Passenger trust in IndiGo might be affected due to repeated disruptions and safety concerns raised by pilots.
• Potential for further regulatory action against IndiGo if investigations reveal non-compliance or safety breaches.
• It highlights the ongoing tension between operational efficiency/commercial interests and stringent safety standards in the aviation industry.
• Impact Rating: 7/10

Difficult Terms Explained

• Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL): Regulations that specify the maximum number of hours pilots can fly and work within a given period (day, week, month, year) to prevent fatigue.
• CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements): Rules and regulations issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for the aviation sector.
• Dispensations: Exemptions or special permissions granted by a regulatory authority that allow an entity to deviate from standard rules under certain conditions.
• Roster: A schedule of duty assignments for flight crew members.
• Punitive Action: Penalties or disciplinary measures taken against an individual or organization for violating rules or regulations.