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IndiGo's Flight Fiasco: Why Airline Seeks More Time Amid DGCA Probe

IndiGo has officially responded to the DGCA's show-cause notice regarding last week's operational meltdown. The airline has asked for more time to conduct a full root cause analysis, stating the issue is too complex to pinpoint immediately. In its preliminary response, IndiGo listed several factors including new crew rostering rules, bad weather, and technical issues. The DGCA had issued the notice following days of mass cancellations that stranded passengers across the country.

Key Points: IndiGo Responds to DGCA Show Cause Notice on Flight Cancellations

  • IndiGo cites Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) order as a key factor in the disruptions
  • Airline lists weather, technical glitches, and system congestion as other contributing causes
  • DGCA had issued the notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers after widespread passenger frustration
  • IndiGo took a "drastic measure" to reboot its network with mass cancellations on December 5
3 min read

IndiGo request more time to respond to Show-Cause Notice, lists preliminary contributing factors for fiasco

IndiGo requests more time from DGCA to investigate the causes behind last week's mass flight cancellations, citing operational complexity and multiple factors.

"realistically not possible to pinpoint the exact cause(s) - IndiGo"

New Delhi, December 8

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday confirmed that IndiGo Airlines has responded to the Show-Cause notice on the airline's fiasco that led to widespread cancellations last week.

DGCA, in a release, stated that the airlines have requested more time to respond to the Show-Cause notice, stating that it is "realistically not possible to pinpoint the exact cause(s)" at this time, considering the "complexity and vast scale of operations."

IndiGo did suggest some preliminary contributing factors that led to this fiasco, listing the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) order as one of them.

"The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has received IndiGo's response to the Show Cause Notice issued in connection with the recent large-scale operational disruptions and flight Cancellations across the airline's network," DGCA said in a release.

IndiGo states it is "realistically not possible to pinpoint the exact cause(s)" at this time due to the complexity and vast scale of operations. They note that the DGCA's manual allows a fifteen-day response timeline for SCNs, suggesting more time is needed to conduct a comprehensive 'Root Cause Analysis' (RCA). The complete RCA will be shared once finished," they added.

Along with the FDTL order, IndiGo mentioned other contributing factors such as "minor technical glitches, schedule changes, adverse weather conditions."

"Preliminary Contributing Factors: The airline suggests that the disruption resulted from a combination of the following factors, which coincided in lesser or greater measure: 1. Minor technical glitches. 2. Schedule changes linked to the start of the winter season. 3. Adverse weather conditions. 4. Increased congestion in the aviation system. 5. Implementation of and operation under the updated crew rostering rules (Flight Duty Time Limitation Phase II)," DGCA shared IndiGo's response.

"IndiGo notes they had been engaging with the DGCA regarding challenges in implementing the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) Phase II and were seeking variations, exemptions, or extensions. The disruptions began in early December when the compounding factors resulted in a lower On-Time Network Performance, which affected crew availability. Network Reboot: On December 5, 2025, IndiGo took the "drastic measure" of "rebooting" the network by taking a significant number of cancellations to recover stranded customers, ease airport congestion, and reposition crew/aircraft," they added.

The DGCA had issued the notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers after widespread cancellations and delays caused frustration among passengers across India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While the inconvenience was real, I appreciate that they are at least communicating and trying to do a Root Cause Analysis. Aviation is complex, especially in India with our growing traffic. Hope they fix this soon and compensate affected passengers properly.
A
Aman W
The FDTL rules are for pilot safety, which is non-negotiable. If IndiGo was having issues implementing them, they should have planned better. You can't blame new safety regulations for operational failures. DGCA should be strict on this.
P
Priyanka N
This "network reboot" sounds like a fancy term for a massive failure in planning. So many people missed weddings, important meetings, and exams. Just saying "adverse weather" when other airlines managed better is not a good look. They need better contingency plans.
D
David E
As someone who flies frequently for work, this is concerning. IndiGo has a huge market share. When they falter, it disrupts the entire country's travel plans. Hope the RCA is thorough and leads to real systemic fixes, not just PR management.
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Kavitha C
The timing before the holiday season is terrible. Many are planning trips. They need to get their act together fast. Also, full transparency on compensation please—not just vouchers, but proper refunds for the hassle caused.

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