New Delhi, India — India’s aviation regulator has temporarily suspended newly introduced crew duty-hour rules after the changes triggered days of chaos at major airports and forced IndiGo — the country’s largest airline — to cancel hundreds of flights.
The revised norms, aimed at addressing pilot fatigue by mandating longer rest periods and limiting night operations, had been rolled out in two phases beginning July and again in November. But IndiGo struggled to realign its massive crew roster in time, leading to widespread cancellations, delays, and passenger frustration.
Announcing the rollback late Friday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the decision would take effect immediately.
“Without compromising on air safety, this decision has been taken solely in the interest of passengers, especially senior citizens, students, patients, and others who rely on timely air travel for essential needs,” the ministry said.
Friday marked the fourth day of disruptions. At airports across the country, passengers were seen sleeping on floors, crowding service counters, and waiting for updates as IndiGo battled operational strain. On Thursday alone, over 300 IndiGo flights were canceled, with several hundred more delayed. Delhi airport later issued an advisory confirming that all domestic IndiGo flights would remain canceled until midnight.
Other carriers, including Air India, have not experienced similar disruptions.
IndiGo, which operates roughly 2,300 flights a day and commands nearly 65% of the domestic market, said the crisis stemmed from a mix of scheduling challenges, weather disruptions, congestion, and technical issues.
In an internal email seen by The Associated Press, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers apologized to staff, acknowledging the difficulties created by the new rules.
The ministry said the airline underestimated the impact of phase-two regulations on crew availability, calling it a planning lapse. IndiGo has sought temporary exemptions and assured authorities that schedules will return to normal by February 10.
For travelers, the fallout was immediate. Sajal Bose, a senior citizen whose Kolkata–Delhi flight was canceled an hour before departure, said he had little choice but to take a nine-hour train to Bagdogra to catch another airline.
“It’s very irresponsible and complete negligence. Very difficult for older people like us,” he said.
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