Can IndiGo Maintain 2,000 Daily Flights Under New Pilot Rules?

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, faces a critical operational deadline this week. The carrier must confirm to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) if it can operate more than 2,000 daily flights.

This must be achieved while fully complying with new, stricter pilot duty regulations. The airline’s temporary exemption for its Airbus A320 fleet expires on February 10, 2026. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. They aim to prevent a repeat of the massive flight disruptions seen in December 2025.

The Regulatory Deadline

IndiGo’s current exemption from the new safety-enhancing Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules ends soon. The airline is expected to share its post-February 10 preparedness with the DGCA this week. This report is crucial for maintaining its extensive network.

The airline has been conducting dry runs using its scheduling software. This process matches available pilot strength with the number of flights planned. IndiGo is reportedly planning crew rosters under the new FDTL rules starting February 1. This is a sign the airline may not seek any further extensions.

IndiGo has already reduced its flight schedule until the end of the winter season. This cut is intended to allow the airline to serve its entire network under the new, stricter FDTL rules. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA are keeping a very close watch on the airline’s readiness.

Stricter Pilot Rest Norms

The revised FDTL rules significantly increase the required number of pilots. The new norms are designed to combat pilot fatigue and enhance flight safety. Key changes include:

• Increased Weekly Rest: Mandatory weekly rest for pilots is now 48 consecutive hours, up from 36 hours.
• Expanded Night Duty: The definition of night duty has been extended.
• Night Landing Limits: Pilots are limited to a maximum of two night landings, reduced from six previously.

These changes place additional constraints on airlines with extensive night operations, like IndiGo. The airline previously admitted that the new rules require a higher pilot count than initially anticipated.

Fallout from December's Chaos

The regulatory scrutiny follows widespread chaos in early December 2025. During a three-day period, IndiGo cancelled 2,507 flights and delayed 1,852 others. This left over 300,000 passengers stranded across the country.

In January 2026, the DGCA imposed a record penalty of ₹22.20 crore on IndiGo. This fine included a ₹20.40 crore penalty for 68 days of continued non-compliance. The regulator also ordered the airline to furnish a ₹50 crore bank guarantee tied to future compliance.

Pilot Body Reaction

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) criticized the DGCA's enforcement action. FIP termed the ₹22.2 crore fine as “peanuts.” The body argued the official probe only recognized three days of disruption. In reality, the operational turmoil lasted much longer, according to the FIP.

FIP leaders also questioned the regulator's approach. They asked if non-compliance with safety law could be “traded with a penalty.” The aviation ministry insists it will not permit a repeat of the December disruptions. The focus remains on ensuring operational resilience and passenger safety.

IndiGo stated it is committed to taking full cognisance of the orders. The airline is conducting an in-depth review of its internal processes. This is to ensure the airline emerges stronger from these events.

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