DGCA scraps weekly rest rule as IndiGo chaos eases
DGCA scraps weekly rest rule as IndiGo chaos eases
DGCA withdraws weekly rest instruction, offering relief to IndiGo amid widespread cancellations and crew shortages. As delays spike nationwide, authorities promise improved rostering and disruption handling.
The DGCA has withdrawn its instructions to all operators regarding the weekly rest for crew members. The fresh notification comes amid a pilot and crew crunch that has left thousands of IndiGo passengers stranded. The DGCA’s order states that the instruction that no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest is withdrawn with immediate effect, in view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations.
IndiGo had sought relaxations for two months, and the disruption at India's largest carrier — which commands more than 60% of the domestic market — has led to widespread cancellations and long delays. On Friday, nearly 500 scheduled flights were cancelled, and all domestic departures till midnight from Delhi — IndiGo’s largest hub — were cancelled. The airline says its operations will be fully normal by February 10 and is working to improve crew rostering, strengthen coordination with ATC and airports, and enhance its turnaround processes and disruption-handling mechanisms.
The second and final stage of these revised duty and rest rules took effect last month, and the airline appears to have been caught off guard. Data from the week show a sharp drop in on-time performance: on Wednesday only 19.7% of IndiGo’s flights departed on time, down from 35% the previous day and roughly 50% on Monday. Airports across the country have borne the brunt, with social media flooded by complaints about extended delays and cancellations.
Industry observers say the relief measures aim to restore continuity while the airline works to recover from the congestion, weather, and technology glitches that have compounded the current disruptions. The broader aviation ecosystem is adjusting to tighter rules as the DGCA pushes for safer operations, even as passengers await a steadier, normalised schedule.
Cover image source: 'Not aware': IndiGo denies reports of DGCA probe amid widespread flight cancellations at major airports 🔗
