New Delhi | December 5, 2025:
India’s aviation authorities have temporarily rolled back recently introduced restrictions on airline crew duty hours following major disruptions at airports nationwide. The rollback comes after the country’s largest carrier, IndiGo, struggled to comply with the new regulations, resulting in widespread flight cancellations and delays.
The updated rules, aimed at addressing pilot and crew fatigue, had mandated longer rest periods and restricted night flying hours. However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced late Friday that the regulations would be suspended effective immediately, citing passenger welfare as the primary reason.
“Without compromising air safety, this decision has been taken solely in the interest of passengers, especially senior citizens, students, patients, and others relying on timely air travel,” the ministry said in a statement.
Flight Disruptions Hit Thousands of Travelers
The disruption began after the second phase of the rules came into effect in November. IndiGo, which operates around 2,300 flights daily and controls roughly 65% of India’s domestic aviation market, struggled to adjust crew schedules in time. On Thursday alone, more than 300 flights were cancelled while hundreds more faced delays.
Scenes of frustration unfolded across airports as passengers queued for hours at customer service counters and slept on terminal floors. Senior travelers, students, and patients traveling for urgent reasons were particularly affected.
Sajal Bose, a senior citizen from Kolkata, shared his ordeal:
“Our flight was cancelled just an hour before departure. We are now taking a nine-hour train ride to catch another flight. It’s very irresponsible and extremely difficult for older passengers.”
IndiGo Cites Multiple Challenges
In an internal email reviewed by the Associated Press, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers apologized to staff and passengers, citing a combination of factors behind the disruptions, including:
- Implementation of the new duty-hour rules
- Technology and scheduling challenges
- Adverse weather and airport congestion
The Civil Aviation Ministry noted that the airline had underestimated the impact on crew availability, which exacerbated the operational challenges.
Temporary Exemptions and Recovery Timeline
IndiGo has requested temporary exemptions to fully comply with the regulations and assured the government that corrective measures are underway. Officials estimate that operations should return to normal by February 10, 2026, as the airline adjusts rosters and completes technology upgrades.
Passengers and advocacy groups have welcomed the suspension but continue to urge clearer communication and contingency planning to avoid similar disruptions in the future.
