The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has issued immediate directions to all domestic airlines placing particular emphasis on IndiGo to restore normalcy in flight operations and mitigate widespread passenger distress. The measures, outlined through two formal orders, aim to stabilise flight schedules by midnight and fully restore services within the next few days.
The intervention comes amid massive delays and cancellations across IndiGo’s network, prompting mounting public frustration and operational strain across major airports.
According to the official statement, the following measures are expected to take effect immediately:
1. Flight operations to stabilise by midnight: MoCA has stated that schedules are expected to begin returning to normal by midnight tonight, with full service stability likely over the next couple of days.
2. Real-time information for passengers: IndiGo and other airlines have been directed to ensure that passengers can track delays from home through enhanced information systems.
3. Automatic refunds for cancelled flights: In case of flight cancellations, IndiGo must offer automatic full refunds, eliminating the need for passengers to raise claims manually.
4. Hotel accommodation for stranded travellers: Airlines are required to arrange hotel stays for stranded passengers, with accommodations already being booked at multiple locations.
5. Senior Citizen Support Measures
Special assistance has been mandated:
- Guaranteed lounge access
- Priority handling
- Measures to ensure there is no inconvenience whatsoever
6. Refreshments for Delayed Flight Passengers: Travellers affected by delays will receive refreshments and other essential support to ease the inconvenience.
7. 24×7 Monitoring Control Room: A round-the-clock control room at MoCA is monitoring the situation in real time, coordinating with airlines and airport operators.
The Ministry emphasised that the Union Government is in constant consultation with all aviation stakeholders. It reiterated that every possible step including regulatory exemptions will be taken to restore normal operations swiftly.
This includes recently announced relaxations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which acknowledged the gravity of the situation and authorised temporary regulatory relief.
In an exceptional step aimed at restoring operational continuity, DGCA granted IndiGo a one-time temporary exemption from specific Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules.
The exemption:
- Covers night duty provisions between 0000–0650 hours
- Applies to revised FDTL norms under CAR Section 7 Series J Part III Rev 2, Phase-II
- Is applicable only to the airline’s A320 fleet
- Remains valid until February 10, 2026
While issuing the exemption, the DGCA reiterated that IndiGo remains responsible for passenger inconvenience but emphasised that the relief is being provided in the public interest to ensure continuity of essential air services. The regulator warned that the exemption could be revoked if safety standards are compromised.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has faced operational turbulence over the past several days, reportedly due to crew availability challenges and cascading delays. Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have seen unusually long queues, packed waiting areas, and rising passenger frustration.
With the new directives, the government aims to:
- Break the cycle of delays
- Restore network stability
- Reduce disruption-related distress
The next 24–48 hours will be critical in determining how quickly India’s aviation backbone can return to normal.
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