In an unusual regulatory intervention, the DGCA has ordered IndiGo to scale back its expanded winter schedule, reducing daily departures by 5% and reallocating the freed slots to rival airlines. The regulator directed the airline to revise its winter schedule, including high-frequency, high-demand routes, and submit the updated plan by 5 pm on December 10. The DGCA noted that IndiGo had not demonstrated the capacity to efficiently operate its 15,014 weekly flights.
This move follows over 2,000 flight cancellations in the past week, caused mainly by crew shortages under the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules designed to prevent pilot fatigue. The largest cuts will affect busy metro routes like Delhi-Mumbai, while monopoly routes with higher fares will largely remain unchanged. Analysts estimate the impact on overall revenue could be under 4%, with Air India likely benefiting by adding 60–70 daily flights.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the decision, highlighting the government’s aim to balance competition and prevent monopoly advantages. Experts welcomed the step, noting it should have been implemented earlier and urging further cuts to ensure a more competitive aviation sector.
