DGCA Reassigns Ravinder Jamwal Amid IndiGo Flight Disruption Inquiry

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced a significant internal posting change. The aviation safety regulator divested Ravinder Jamwal of the additional charge of the Flight Standards Directorate (FSD). This move was confirmed via a DGCA order dated December 23, 2025.

Mr. Jamwal, who served as Director of Operations, was holding the FSD charge. He also managed the Air Navigation Services (ANS) and Airspace Sections. The DGCA order posts him fully to the Airspace and ANS sections at the headquarters. He will remain there "until further orders."

Leadership Shift at Flight Standards

The DGCA named Ashish Dubey as the replacement for the FSD role. The FSD is a critical wing of the regulator. Its responsibilities include the certification of air operators and maintaining flight operational standards. The directorate also oversees pilot licensing and proficiency checks.

Mr. Jamwal's departure from FSD is a notable event. He was directly involved in overseeing the implementation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for airlines. These norms regulate pilot duty hours and rest periods to prevent fatigue. The FDTL rules are a key part of aviation safety regulation.

Timing and IndiGo Disruption Context

The transfer comes at a sensitive time for Indian commercial aviation. It occurred only days before a key report was submitted to the DGCA. A four-member panel was investigating the massive flight disruptions at IndiGo earlier this month. The inquiry committee, headed by Joint Director General Sanjay K Bramhane, submitted its report on December 26, 2025.

The widespread disruptions were largely attributed to crew shortages. These shortages stemmed from the full implementation of the revised FDTL guidelines. The new rules mandate longer rest periods and stricter limits on night operations. This regulatory change forced airlines to adjust their crew rosters quickly.

Sources indicate Mr. Jamwal was central to the regulator’s response. He was in charge of the FDTL schemes for all Indian airlines. Furthermore, DGCA officials conducting on-site inspections at 11 domestic airports were directed to submit their comprehensive reports on IndiGo operations to him. The contents of the submitted inquiry report are not yet known. The DGCA has not provided an immediate reason for the abrupt transfer.

Operational Oversight Impact

Mr. Jamwal's new posting focuses on the Air Navigation Services Standards. This directorate provides oversight for the Air Navigation Services provider in India. This includes Air Traffic Management (ATM), Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS). The shift moves a senior operations director from direct airline operational standards (FSD) to airspace and air traffic management oversight (ANS). This is a significant change in the DGCA's internal deployment of expertise. It signals a potential strategic focus on ANS regulatory compliance.

• The FSD role is vital for Air Operator's Certificates and operational safety checks.
• The ANS role is crucial for the safe and efficient flow of air traffic across Indian airspace.
• The transfer highlights the intense scrutiny on DGCA operational oversight following the recent industry turmoil.

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