Government Pauses New Pilot Duty Rules to Restore IndiGo Flights

• Government suspends new pilot duty-time rules to ease flight disruptions
• IndiGo cancellations cross 750; schedules expected to stabilize in 3 days
• High-level inquiry ordered to identify lapses and prevent future chaos

The government has put the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules for pilots on hold, aiming to bring IndiGo’s operations back to normal by Monday. The move comes after the airline cancelled more than 750 flights on Friday, causing major inconvenience for travelers across the country.

Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the suspension was necessary to protect passengers especially senior citizens, students, and those traveling for urgent needs while still maintaining safety standards. IndiGo had earlier said it needed exemptions from the new rules to stabilize its schedule by February 10, 2026.

To address the ongoing disruptions, the government has ordered a high-level inquiry. The committee will review what triggered the collapse in operations, identify accountability, and recommend steps to prevent similar incidents.

The ministry has also directed several operational measures to help airlines resume normal service quickly. Authorities expect flight schedules to begin stabilizing within a day and return to full normalcy within three days.

In an unusual step, the DGCA has offered its Flight Operations Inspectors to fly IndiGo’s Airbus A320 aircraft to reduce cancellations. Officials clarified this offer was made voluntarily and not requested by the airline.

Also Read: IndiGo Disruptions Leave Thousands Stranded Amid Massive Flight Cancellations

To support affected passengers, airlines must now provide accurate real-time flight updates online, issue automatic full refunds for cancellations, and arrange hotel stays for travelers stranded due to long delays. Special arrangements including lounge access and priority assistance have been mandated for senior citizens and differently abled passengers.

The government said it remains in constant touch with all airlines and stakeholders to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

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