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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday ordered the constitution of a high-level, four-member committee to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the circumstances that led to widespread operational disruptions at IndiGo Airlines in recent days.
According to an official order, the DGCA noted that IndiGo failed to adequately prepare for the implementation of revised Duty Period, Flight Duty Period, Flight Time Limitations, and Prescribed Rest Periods under the FDTL CAR 2024. These norms, phased in after a Delhi High Court ruling earlier this year, required airlines to strengthen manpower planning and roster restructuring, and to ensure a seamless transition to the new fatigue-management framework. Despite repeated instructions, the regulator observed that IndiGo struggled to accurately forecast crew availability, complete training on time, and realign duty rosters. As a result, cascading delays and cancellations began surfacing in late November 2025, eventually rising to 170-200 cancellations per day, far higher than at other carriers. The DGCA stated that this pointed to "deficiencies in internal oversight, operational preparedness, and compliance planning," warranting an independent examination. The newly formed committee comprises Joint Director General Sanjay K Bramhane, Deputy Director General Amit Gupta, and senior safety officials Captain Kapil Manglik and Captain Lokesh Rampal. They have been tasked with "identifying the underlying causes leading to widespread operational disruptions" and "assessing the adequacy of manpower planning, fluctuating roster systems, and implementation preparedness in the context of FTDL CAR 2024". They will also review IndiGo's compliance with the revised FDTL provisions and IndiGo's compliance with the revised FDTL provisions. The panel will also assess accountability for operational failures, examine the airline's mitigation measures, and determine whether adequate steps are being taken to restore normal operations. The committee has been directed to submit its findings and recommendations to the DGCA within 15 days. The regulator said the report will enable "necessary regulatory enforcement action and ensure institutional strengthening" to prevent such large-scale disruptions in the future. (ANI)
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