IndiGo, India’s largest airline, at a 60% market share, is taking a big hit with operational challenges. In retaliation, the airline has canceled hundreds of flights around the country. The airline’s daily flight schedule normally exceeds 2000 total flights. Beginning December 8, it will be cutting back its operations in order to minimize the negative impact on travelers. This decision helps address the current pilot shortages. These shortages have been exacerbated by a lack of adaptation to new crew rostering regulations introduced by India’s aviation regulatory body.
Under the new rules, pilots from budget carrier IndiGo have to be given longer rest times. Additionally, pilots are now required to do two night-time landings per week. This is a significant cut from the old requirement of six touch-and-go landings. Taken together, these changes should improve pilot safety and well-being. Yet through it all, they have unwittingly made staffing hurdles even for the purpose of the airline. Dire consequences IndiGo has asked for an interim stay on implementation of the new rules. This should afford them the opportunity to better prepare their operations for the new enhanced requirements.
To address the current existential crisis facing the industry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intervened. They have directed IndiGo to provide specific action plans for crew recruitment, crew training, crew roster restructuring and safety-risk assessments. The agency has required that these plans be filed forthwith, highlighting the seriousness of the moment. The airline has since ordered all IndiGo flights departing from Delhi to be grounded. The airline is simply trying to do a better job managing its resources in the meantime.
International airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities have released advisories. They recommend that travelers verify flight status before traveling to the airport. On the ground, the operational challenges have caused a massive traveler backlash, with thousands of passengers having their travel plans thrown into turmoil.
IndiGo executives have updated the expectation for return to normal operations to now be February 10, 2024. Until then, the airline will continue to fail to meet passenger demand. Continuing problems with pilot shortages and regulatory changes will be real hurdles.