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Amid India's growing commercial needs in the aviation industry, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister estimated that India needs US
IndiGo’s exemptions on pilot rest periods FDTL expire today. The airline was granted temporary exemptions after its compliance with FDTL norms triggered an operational collapse, resulting in the cancellation of more than 5,500 flights and leaving around 3 lakh passengers stranded at airports. The DGCA penalized the airline with Rs 22.2 crore for its operational collapse.
According to a report, IndiGo has increased its crew buffer from 0% in December to 3% in February and raised its pilot-to-aircraft ratio. Government officials told the daily they expect minimal flight disruptions because of FDTL violations and that a review of the airline showed it was on track.
IndiGo’s rostering plans indicate it has increased its pilot-to-aircraft ratio while expanding reserve pilot strength and upholding a hiring pipeline to offset attrition, the daily reported. There are 7 crew sets per aircraft, based on 1,862 daily flights and a block per trip day of 3.99 hours, an official said. In December, when the airline faced the crisis, it had fewer than 6 crew sets per aircraft.
Crew buffers in lieu of surplus pilot capacity beyond the minimum requirement for scheduled flights have also been increased to 3%.
The airline employed 100 trainee first officers in January and plans to train 20 pilots per month and around 75 first officers in alternate months.
The Reason for a Fine Imposed by the DGCA
The aviation regulatory authority imposed a fine of Rs 22.20 crore on IndiGo for violations. The airline cancelled 2,507 flights and delayed 1,852 flights.Crew rosters were designed to make the most of duty periods, with greater dependence on deadheading, tail swaps, lengthy duty patterns and minimal recovery margins, leaving the airline susceptible to disruptions.
Senior management of the airline was disapproved for failing to anticipate the impact of the Winter Schedule 2025 or to implement the new FDTL provisions suitably. DGCA responded by issuing warnings and initiating action against the senior officials of InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo's parent company.
The regulator issued a caution to the CEO for insufficient oversight of flight operations and crisis management. The Accountable Manager and COO were warned for failing to evaluate the implications of the winter schedule and revised duty time regulations.
Source: Hindustan Times
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