Full duty time norms rollout unlikely to disrupt IndiGo ops, say Govt sources

As IndiGo readies to re-implement the whole Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms from Tuesday (February 10), together with the stricter provisions on evening operations, the airline doesn’t count on any disruption to operations, official sources informed businessline.

The norms reinstate limits equivalent to a most of 4 evening landings and outline evening duty hours between midnight and 6 am, elevating trade issues over potential schedule disruptions.

Shut monitoring

Nevertheless, authorities officers, who wished not to be named, mentioned the aviation regulator has been carefully monitoring IndiGo’s preparedness and operational planning, with a number of measures being put in place to guarantee a easy transition. These embody sustaining enough buffer energy in crew availability and initiating an expanded pilot recruitment drive.

IndiGo has indicated that it plans to rent round 50 pilots a month to assist operations below the brand new guidelines.

Roster, KPI modifications

The airline has additionally up to date its rostering software program to higher handle crew schedules consistent with the brand new duty-time necessities.

Changes have additionally been made to pilots’ key efficiency indicators (KPIs), linking operational targets with the brand new regulatory framework. To mitigate dangers, IndiGo has capped its home operations at roughly 1,850 flights per day till March 31. Business insiders mentioned such capability administration is meant to preserve schedule reliability, whereas the airline adapts to the complete implementation of the FDTL norms.

Operational disruptions linked to new pilot relaxation norms had led to 2,507 flight cancellations and 1,852 delays between December 3 and 5, 2025, affecting over three lakh passengers nationwide.

Regulatory watch

Regulatory oversight of the transition is anticipated to proceed within the coming weeks, with authorities monitoring operational information and crew utilisation to guarantee compliance and community stability.

Regardless of imposing penalties, the Directorate Basic of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had continued to maintain a detailed surveillance of the airline’s operations, together with routine engagement on its pilot hiring plan.

Aside from this, common conferences have been held with the airline each 15 days throughout which particulars of its operations have been reviewed. The DGCA had constituted a eight-member oversight staff following the disruptions in December.

As well as, the Centre had directed IndiGo to reduce flight schedules by 10 per cent throughout sectors to assist stabilise operations and cut back cancellations.

Printed on February 9, 2026