IndiGo Averts Flight Cancellations, Assures Stability Ahead of FDTL Deadline

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India's largest airline, IndiGo, has reported adequate pilot availability and operational stability, ensuring no flight cancellations after February 10, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline has taken steps to address concerns raised by the regulator after a series of disruptions last month. IndiGo has 2,280 pilot-in-command and 2,050 first officers, meeting the projected operational requirements. The airline has assured the DGCA that it will maintain operational stability and has submitted a Corrective Action Plan outlining measures to ensure compliance with revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) provisions. The DGCA had granted IndiGo a one-time exemption from crew fatigue rules in December, citing the need for operational stabilisation. The exemption was set to expire on February 10. The regulator had asked the airline to submit daily and weekly reports on operational parameters, including flight cancellations and crew availability. IndiGo has submitted four weekly and three fortnightly reports, providing updated data on critical operational parameters. However, the DGCA noted that the airline's planning processes had focused on maximising utilisation of crew, aircraft, and network resources, leading to reduced roster buffer margins and compromised roster integrity. Despite these concerns, the DGCA has expressed confidence in IndiGo's ability to maintain operational stability. The regulator will continue to monitor the airline's operations, with a focus on roster integrity, crew availability, and adherence to FDTL requirements.