IndiGo Airlines has announced a significant operational adjustment in response to a critical staffing crisis. The airline has canceled over 300 flights amid escalating pilot and crew shortages, which have been exacerbated by recent changes to Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations.
Flight Cancellations Across Major Cities
As of Thursday morning, several major cities reported serious flight disruptions. The cancellations included:
- 33 flights at Delhi Airport
- 85 flights at Mumbai Airport
- 73 flights at Bengaluru Airport
Passengers expressed their frustration on social media, sharing videos and complaints about the delays. Many turned to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their concerns.
Response from IndiGo and Regulatory Investigation
In response to the mounting complaints, IndiGo issued a statement suggesting that various uncontrollable factors impacted their operations. India’s aviation regulator has since launched an investigation to determine the root causes of the disruptions and has requested explanations from the airline.
Pilot and Crew Shortages
The staffing challenges stem from new FDTL rules implemented on November 1, which require pilots and crew to have extended rest periods and limit flight hours. Despite these regulations, the Federation of Indian Pilots has argued that the cancellations cannot be solely attributed to the new rules, as competitors in the industry have not faced similar issues.
Impact on IndiGo’s Reputation
This operational crisis threatens the reputation of IndiGo, which has built its brand on punctuality over its two-decade history. However, recent performance indicators have shown a decline in on-time services. A recent survey by LocalCircles revealed that 54% of IndiGo passengers reported experiencing timeliness issues over the past year.
As the airline navigates this challenge, it is essential for them to restore trust and stability in their operations.
