DGCA Dismisses Four Officials Following IndiGo Operational Crisis

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken decisive action by removing four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) responsible for supervising operations at IndiGo, India's largest airline. This decision comes in the wake of significant operational challenges that have led to widespread flight cancellations and delays.

The FOIs, who are senior pilots assigned to monitor the airline’s compliance with regulatory requirements, were tasked with ensuring IndiGo had the necessary crew resources for safe operations. However, the DGCA has now returned them to their previous airline roles before the completion of their terms.

Reports indicate that the airline failed to adequately prepare for new flight duty time limitations (FDTL) set to take effect in July and November 2025. These new regulations would require IndiGo to hire additional pilots to comply with increased crew requirements. According to officials familiar with the matter, the FOIs did not adequately address this critical issue, contributing to a pilot shortfall that hindered the airline's ability to operate effectively under the new rules.

As a result, the DGCA temporarily suspended the implementation of the new FDTL for Airbus A320 aircraft until February 2026 to prevent further operational disruptions similar to those experienced earlier this month. "IndiGo was in discussions with the DGCA regarding the new crew regulations but did not take the necessary steps to hire additional pilots," an insider explained.

Despite the disruptions, IndiGo maintains that it does not face a pilot shortage. However, the DGCA has urged the airline to accelerate its pilot recruitment efforts. Currently, IndiGo is working to stabilise its operations, with over 2,050 flights scheduled across 138 destinations on a single day.

Pilot-Mangement Tensions

Amid the operational turmoil, discontent among IndiGo pilots has reportedly intensified. Sources indicate a growing rift between the management and pilots, exacerbated by recent decisions regarding compensation and flight scheduling. Pilots have expressed frustration over changes to night landing payments and other contractual adjustments, which they believe have contributed to a strained working environment.

One pilot commented anonymously, "There is a complete disconnect and mistrust between the pilots and management. The operational control centre is widely disliked among us. The recent changes have only widened the gap."

The issues facing IndiGo are not limited to the new crew rostering rules. Pilots have raised concerns over varying salary components, policies related to medical fitness, and restrictions on their ability to work for foreign airlines. These factors have added to the dissatisfaction among the workforce, prompting calls for improved relations and a better working environment.

Flight Cancellations and Operational Impact

Following the operational challenges at IndiGo, the airline has faced a significant number of flight cancellations. On December 13, 2025, IndiGo cancelled approximately 160 flights from major hubs such as Delhi and Bengaluru, adding to the disruptions from previous days when over 200 flights were also cancelled. Passengers at various airports, including Chennai and Coimbatore, have been impacted, with several flights grounded and requests for travelers to contact their respective airlines for updates.

In response to the crisis, IndiGo has committed to identifying affected flights and will reach out to passengers for compensation in January 2026. The airline estimates that compensation costs could exceed ₹500 crores due to the widespread cancellations experienced during early December.

This recent turmoil has attracted the attention of India’s aviation authorities, with the DGCA issuing a show-cause notice to IndiGo regarding its operational lapses. The aviation minister has warned the airline of potential strict actions in light of its mismanagement, marking a critical moment in the regulatory oversight of India’s aviation sector.

Moving Forward

Experts warn that the ongoing crisis could have long-lasting effects on IndiGo's reputation and financial stability. The airline, once a leader in the low-cost aviation market, now faces significant challenges in rebuilding passenger trust as it contends with operational inefficiencies and growing competition from other carriers.

Following the operational disruptions, IndiGo's share prices have declined, reflecting investor concerns over rising operational costs and the potential fallout from the airline's inability to adhere to new regulations.

As the airline works to stabilise its operations and restore public confidence, industry analysts suggest that it must address internal issues comprehensively and enhance its relationships with its pilot workforce to avoid further crises in the future.