National Aviation Emergency: Why IndiGo Was Worst-Hit After New FDTL Kicked In?

After being credited for one of the worst aviation crisis India has witnessed, IndiGo has placed the burden of flight delays across key cities from Bengaluru to Pune on "a multitude of unforeseen operational challenges".

"A multitude of unforeseen operational challenges including minor technology glitches, schedule changes linked to the winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system and the implementation of updated crew rostering rules (Flight Duty Time Limitations) had a negative compounding impact on our operations in a way that was not feasible to be anticipated," according to an official IndiGo statement.

On December 4, 2025, the Gurgaon-headquartered airline cancelled over 180 flights from three key Indian cities due to the new flight-duty and rest-period norms.

Meanwhile, passengers told Republic TV that they've been facing delays lasting as long as 16 hours. 

Also Read: Why IndiGo Was Worst-Hit After New FDTL Kicked In?

IndiGo Passes The Buck To FDTL: What Are The New Flight Duty Time Limitations?

After the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) made several key changes to regulations linked to commercial flight operations, IndiGo claims to have faced the brunt of an extended weekly rest periods for flight crew, and changes made to the maximum flight duty periods and the number of night landings

As a direct result of these changes, Indigo crew members could no longer be on duty as per the airlines' earlier schedules. This led to roster chaos and cancellations, and delays.

The airline operates 2,200 domestic and international flights daily, which is nearly double than what Air India operates daily, according to IndiGo's site. 

With such a massive scale, if 10-20 per cent of delayed or cancelled flights effectively means 200-400 flights, causing an outroar by thousands of flight passengers.