ઈન્ડિગો ફ્લાઇટ અરાજકતા: ક્રૂ સુરક્ષા નિયમોની કડકાઈને કારણે 180+ ફ્લાઇટ્સ રદ, હજારો મુસાફરો અટવાયા!

ભારતની સૌથી મોટી એરલાઇન, ઈન્ડિગો, એક ગંભીર ઓપરેશનલ સમસ્યાનો અનુભવ કરી રહી છે. ગુરુવારે 180 થી વધુ ફ્લાઇટ્સ રદ થતાં, પહેલેથી જ અટવાયેલા હજારો મુસાફરોનું સંકટ વધુ ઘેરું બન્યું છે. ક્રૂ સભ્યોની સુરક્ષા અને આરામના સમયગાળા માટે તાજેતરમાં લાગુ કરાયેલા કડક સરકારી નિયમો, જેમને 'Flight Duty Time Limitations (FTDL)' તરીકે ઓળખવામાં આવે છે, તે આ વિક્ષેપોનું મુખ્ય કારણ છે.
* On Thursday, over 180 IndiGo flights were cancelled across major airports like Bengaluru (73), Delhi (around 30), and Hyderabad (68). This follows at least 150 cancellations on Wednesday, bringing the total over two days to a significant number. IndiGo's on-time performance plummeted to 67.70% in November, a sharp drop from 84.1% in October. Shares of IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) fell 3.4% on Thursday and are down 6% for the week.
* The primary driver is the implementation of updated crew rostering rules, known as Flight Duty Time Limitations (FTDL), which increased mandatory rest hours and restricted night operations from November 1. IndiGo cited a combination of factors including minor technology glitches, schedule changes for the winter season, airport and air traffic control congestion, and crew compliance issues. The Federation of Indian Pilots stated that IndiGo failed to make timely roster adjustments and plan its schedule adequately in advance of the new FDTL norms.
* Thousands of passengers have been stranded at airports, facing long queues, confusion, and significant delays, with some waiting over 12 hours for updates or alternative arrangements. Reports from Hyderabad and Pune airports describe scenes of chaos, with passengers expressing frustration over lack of communication and accommodation. One passenger recounted being stuck on a plane for three hours upon landing due to operational issues and docking permission delays.
* The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has summoned IndiGo to provide an explanation for the widespread operational failures. The DGCA is seeking clarity on the airline's compliance with FDTL norms and its contingency planning for such disruptions.
* IndiGo acknowledged the significant disruption and apologized to customers, attributing it to a "multitude of unforeseen operational challenges." The airline stated it has initiated "calibrated adjustments" to schedules for the next 48 hours to restore stability and recover punctuality. Affected customers are being offered alternate travel arrangements or refunds. IndiGo urges passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
* This crisis marks one of IndiGo's most severe operational setbacks in its nearly two-decade history. It poses a significant reputational challenge to an airline that built its brand on punctuality and efficiency, famously associated with "IndiGo Standard Time."
* The disruptions directly impact thousands of passengers, causing significant inconvenience, missed connections, and travel plans being upended. IndiGo faces reputational damage, potentially affecting future bookings and customer loyalty. The airline's stock price has seen a decline, reflecting investor concerns about operational stability and profitability. The crisis highlights the challenges in adapting to new regulatory requirements and managing complex aviation logistics, potentially affecting other airlines if similar issues arise. Impact Rating: 8.
* Flight Duty Time Limitations (FTDL): આ એવા નિયમો છે જે નિર્ધારિત કરે છે કે ફ્લાઇટ ક્રૂ સભ્યો મહત્તમ કેટલા કલાકો કામ કરી શકે છે અને સલામતી સુનિશ્ચિત કરવા અને થાકને રોકવા માટે તેમને ફ્લાઇટ્સ અને ડ્યુટી પીરિયડ્સ વચ્ચે કેટલો ન્યૂનતમ આરામ મળવો જોઈએ. Roster Planning: આ ફ્લાઇટ ક્રૂ માટે શેડ્યૂલ બનાવવાની પ્રક્રિયા છે, જેમાં તેમને FDTL અને ઓપરેશનલ જરૂરિયાતો જેવા નિયમનકારી આવશ્યકતાઓનું પાલન કરીને ચોક્કસ ફ્લાઇટ્સ માટે નિયુક્ત કરવામાં આવે છે. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): આ ભારતની ઉડ્ડયન નિયમનકારી સંસ્થા છે, જે સલામતી, એરવર્થીનેસ ધોરણો અને સિવિલ એવિએશનના નિયમન માટે જવાબદાર છે.