इंडिगो फ्लाइट गोंधळ: क्रू सुरक्षा नियमांमुळे 180+ उड्डाणे रद्द, हजारो प्रवासी अडकले!

भारतातील सर्वात मोठी एअरलाइन, इंडिगो, गंभीर ऑपरेशनल समस्येतून जात आहे. गुरुवारी 180 हून अधिक विमानांचे उड्डाण रद्द झाल्यामुळे, आधीच अडकलेल्या हजारो प्रवाशांचे संकट वाढले आहे. क्रू सदस्यांची सुरक्षा आणि विश्रांतीच्या कालावधीसाठी लागू केलेल्या नवीन कडक सरकारी नियमांमुळे, ज्यांना Flight Duty Time Limitations (FTDL) म्हणतात, हे व्यत्यय मोठ्या प्रमाणावर येत आहेत.
* 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): हे असे नियम आहेत जे फ्लाइट क्रू सदस्य जास्तीत जास्त किती तास काम करू शकतात आणि सुरक्षितता सुनिश्चित करण्यासाठी व थकवा टाळण्यासाठी त्यांना उड्डाणे व ड्यूटी कालावधी दरम्यान किमान किती विश्रांती घेणे आवश्यक आहे हे निर्दिष्ट करतात. Roster Planning: ही फ्लाइट क्रूसाठी वेळापत्रके तयार करण्याची प्रक्रिया आहे, ज्यामध्ये FDTL आणि ऑपरेशनल गरजांसारख्या नियामक आवश्यकतांचे पालन करून त्यांना विशिष्ट उड्डाणांसाठी नियुक्त केले जाते. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): ही भारताची विमान वाहतूक नियामक संस्था आहे, जी सुरक्षा, एअरवर्थिनेस मानके आणि नागरी विमान वाहतूक नियमांसाठी जबाबदार आहे.