DGCA Seeks Pilots' Cooperation Amid IndiGo Disruptions, Warns of Busy Travel Season
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New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a plea to all pilot associations and pilots in India to cooperate in maintaining smooth air travel operations, amidst ongoing disruptions caused by IndiGo. The airline has seen over 500 flights delayed or cancelled on Friday, affecting thousands of passengers. The DGCA has warned that the aviation sector is facing significant strain due to unpredictable weather patterns, rising seasonal demand, and operational constraints. As the country approaches the fog season, peak holiday period, and marriage travel season, passenger volumes are expected to surge, making it crucial for the industry to prepare for even greater operational challenges. The regulator has requested the full cooperation of pilot bodies, associations, and pilots to ensure safe, reliable, and minimally disrupted air travel for millions of passengers. The DGCA has also announced the withdrawal of instructions prohibiting the substitution of leave for weekly rest for airline crew, citing ongoing operational disruptions and requests from airlines to maintain continuity and stability of flight operations. This move comes after the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) expressed strong objection to selective and unsafe dispensations granted to IndiGo under the revised Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) CAR Phase II implementation. The DGCA has assured that operational stability will be restored by February 10, 2026, and has sought temporary exemptions from certain FDTL provisions for IndiGo's A320 fleet until then. The Delhi Airport has cancelled all IndiGo flights departing from the airport till midnight, while operations for other carriers remain as scheduled. The DGCA has committed to safety and implementation of FDTL CAR in letter and spirit, and has urged pilots and airlines to work together to manage the situation proactively and safely.
