As large number of IndiGo flights continued to be cancelled after the implementation of new fatigue-management rules for crew issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the civil aviation ministry has decided to halt the rules. “The Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) orders of the DGCA have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect,” said a statement issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The statement stated that the decision has been taken solely in the interest of passengers, especially senior citizens, students, patients, and others who rely on timely air travel for essential needs, and without compromising on air safety. The statement said that the ministry has taken urgent and proactive measures to address the ongoing disruption in flight schedules, particularly those of Indigo Airlines.
In addition to halting the FDTL orders, several operational measures have been directed by the ministry to ensure that normal airline services are restored at the earliest and that the inconvenience caused to travellers is significantly reduced. “Based on the immediate implementation of these directives, we expect that flight schedules will begin to stabilise and return to normal by tomorrow. We anticipate that complete restoration of services will be achieved within the next three days,” the ministry stated.
To support passengers during this period, airlines have been instructed to provide regular and accurate updates through enhanced online information systems, enabling passengers to monitor real-time flight status from their homes. In case of any flight cancellations, the airlines will issue full refunds automatically, without the need for passengers to make any requests, the ministry said. Passengers who are stranded due to prolonged delays will be provided hotel accommodation arranged directly by the airlines.
The ministry also announced that special priority is being accorded to senior citizens and differently abled, and that they will be provided lounge access and every possible assistance to ensure that their travel experience remains comfortable. Furthermore, refreshments and essential services will be provided to all passengers affected by delayed flights.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has established a 24×7 Control Room with the telephone numbers 011-24610843, 011-24693963, 096503-91859. The control room is monitoring the situation on a real-time basis to ensure swift corrective action, effective coordination, and immediate resolution of issues as they arise.
Earlier today, the DGCA had relaxed its new fatigue-management rules by withdrawing the prohibition on substitution of leave for weekly rest periods for flight crew members.
High-level inquiry ordered
The ministry also announced a high-level inquiry into the flight disruptions. The inquiry will examine what went wrong at Indigo, determine accountability wherever required for appropriate actions, and recommend measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future, ensuring that passengers do not face such hardships again.
Notably, while the new rules are for all the airlines, IndiGo has been hit hard, and it is being accused of not preparing for the new regulations despite having enough time. The new norms extended weekly rest periods for pilots from 36 to 48 hours and imposed stricter limits on night operations.
Other airlines including Air India recruited enough pilots and other crew members to comply new rest rules. But it is being alleged that IndiGo didn’t make new recruitments while continuing to expand its operations.
