Middle Right IndiGo, the largest of India’s budget carriers, is undergoing an operation crisis reaching existential proportions. Since Tuesday, the airline has cancelled more than 300 flights. In fact, the airline has more than a 60% domestic market share. It binds the nation’s largest metropolitan areas with their mid-sized regional counterparts along the core of the country. The disruptions have not only stranded thousands of passengers but led to an investigation by India’s aviation regulator.
Staffing shortages led to the need for these cancellations. These shortages were due to unexpected impacts of new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations that took effect on November 1. These regulations limit the amount of time pilots can fly and mandate longer rest times for pilots and crew members. Accordingly, IndiGo has found it difficult to keep its recent high on-time performance standard.
With its reputation firmly established on punctuality promises, the carrier is facing a huge risk with the current crisis of wellbeing continuing to bust that image. Recent statistics reveal that 54% of IndiGo’s passengers experienced issues with timeliness over the past year, a stark contrast to the airline’s commitment to reliable service.
The disruptions have severely affected day-to-day operations at some of India’s busiest airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. As passengers found themselves stuck in delays and cancellations, the wrath of travelers soon found a home on social media platforms.
In light of the rapidly evolving crisis, IndiGo is making significant changes to its flight schedule. These precise adjustments are intended to restore stability to the operation. The airline stated, “Our operations are dependent on several factors, some of which are beyond our control and may impact the schedule.”
India’s aviation regulator has reportedly initiated an inquiry into the occurrence. They are asking answers from IndiGo for the rampant modifications and delays. The airline will find itself under the media spotlight again. As it continues to work diligently to return to a state of operational excellence and passenger confidence,
IndiGo is resolute to overcome the adversities that come its way. The other airline’s priority remains clearly on returning to full operations as soon airlines can. The airline’s leadership is not shying away from the complexities of the new FDTL rules. Most importantly, they are focused on making sure that as passengers receive the service they deserve and have paid for.