The operational crisis caused IndiGo's domestic market share to drop from 63.6% in November to 59.6% in December.

IndiGo Ends Pilot Duty Exemption: Will Flight Operations Stay Stable?

IndiGo has assured the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it is fully prepared to implement revised pilot duty norms starting February 11, 2026. This comes as the one-time exemption granted to the airline, aimed at stabilising operations after a chaotic December, officially ends.

The regulator’s statement on Wednesday confirmed that IndiGo has established the necessary rostering and monitoring systems to follow the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules. These regulations, initially approved in October 2025, focus on flight safety by expanding night rest periods and limiting consecutive night shifts. IndiGo's failure to adapt to these norms in early December led to over 2,500 flight cancellations and a subsequent 10% reduction in its winter schedule by the DGCA.

The operational crisis caused IndiGo’s domestic market share to drop from 63.6% in November to 59.6% in December. During the exemption period, the watchdog maintained strict oversight, deploying inspectors to the airline's control centre and monitoring performance reports.

Following a series of penalties totalling Rs 22.20 crore and a requirement for a Rs 50 crore bank guarantee, the DGCA now notes that IndiGo has stabilised its workforce. With 2,400 Pilots in Command surpassing the required 2,280, the airline is expected to maintain stable operations while strictly adhering to the new safety standards.

Source: The Tribune