The country’s largest airline IndiGo can submit its new flight schedule to the Civil Aviation Regulator i.e. DGCA this week. The temporary relaxation in flight duty time limit (FDTL) rules for pilots following the operational crisis in December is now set to end on February 10. In such a situation, Indigo will have to tell under strict rules whether it will be able to continue the current network of more than 2,000 flights daily or not.
A large number of flights were canceled in December
In fact, as soon as the new FDTL rules came into effect in December 2025, Indigo had to cancel a large number of flights due to limitations related to pilots’ duty and rest. For several days, passengers had to face problems due to delays and cancellations at airports across the country. To handle the situation, DGCA had given temporary relief in some provisions so that the airline could rearrange its roster and schedule.
FDTL rules aim to reduce pilot fatigue
The purpose of FDTL rules is to reduce pilot fatigue and strengthen flight safety. Under these rules, how many hours a pilot can fly continuously, how much night duty will be there and how much mandatory rest will be given in the week, all this has been decided. After the relaxation is over, flights will have to be operated as per these strict standards.
DGCA asks for new schedule from Indigo under FDTL
Now DGCA wants IndiGo to submit a new schedule which completely matches with the new FDTL rules. If the airline determines that it is not possible to operate more than 2,000 daily flights with the current resources and number of pilots, then the number of flights on some routes may be reduced or the timings may be changed.
For passengers, this may mean reduced flight frequency on some sectors, changes in schedules or limited options during peak hours in the coming days. However, IndiGo says that it is trying to keep operations stable and follow the rules with minimum inconvenience. Overall, the schedule to be given to DGCA this week will make it clear to what extent IndiGo will be able to maintain its vast network after the strict implementation of FDTL rules.
