Government pushes for more airlines to boost competition
Union Civil Aviation Minister warns IndiGo after nationwide flight cancellations
IndiGo is scrambling to bring its operations back to normal after a severe crew shortage triggered days of chaos at airports across India. As passengers battled mass cancellations and delays, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu issued a strong warning to the airline, saying the government will take “strict action” to set an example for the entire aviation sector.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Naidu said the disruptions—hundreds of cancelled flights and thousands stranded—stemmed from IndiGo’s “internal crisis” following the implementation of new passenger safety and pilot fatigue norms. He stressed that while the government cares for pilots, crew and passengers, airlines are responsible for managing rosters and ensuring compliance. “We are not taking this situation lightly. Any non-compliance will invite strong action,” he said, confirming that a detailed inquiry has already been initiated.
The minister’s comments came after several days of nationwide confusion, missed weddings and derailed travel plans as IndiGo struggled to cope with new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) that increased pilot rest hours and restricted overnight duties. The rules, announced almost two years ago to curb pilot fatigue—an important safety concern—required airlines to hire additional pilots. IndiGo, which operates 2,200 flights a day and is known for minimising downtime, reportedly fell short on staffing as the norms kicked in, leading to widespread cancellations.
As the situation escalated, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) temporarily relaxed some of the new FDTL requirements. The regulator has also issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, seeking a response by 6 pm today.
The turmoil reignited debate over India’s heavily concentrated aviation market, where IndiGo and Air India dominate. The Opposition flagged the sector’s “duopolistic” structure and walked out of the Rajya Sabha after expressing dissatisfaction with the minister’s response.
Naidu, however, said the government has been consistently working to encourage competition. He emphasised that India’s fast-growing aviation demand can support at least five major airlines. “We want more players in the industry. This is the right time to start an airline in India,” he said. He noted that smaller airlines have been encouraged over the past five to six years, and the ministry is actively pushing for greater participation.
Reiterating that safety remains the government’s top priority, Naidu said FDTL rules were monitored closely for a month, and IndiGo had not raised concerns during a meeting held on December 1. “Suddenly, on the 3rd, this situation emerged,” he said.
With over 500 flights cancelled on December 5 alone, the disruption has become one of the biggest operational crises faced by IndiGo. Naidu made it clear that any violation—by any airline, operator, or individual—will be met with strong corrective action to protect passengers and ensure aviation safety.
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