IndiGo Ends FDTL Exemption, Returns to Full Compliance
Airline implements revised flight duty norms after temporary relief expires
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 11th Feb: IndiGo has returned to full compliance with revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms from Wednesday, February 11, marking the end of a one-time temporary exemption granted following large-scale flight disruptions in late 2025.
In a status update issued on February 11, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that IndiGo’s exemption from certain provisions of Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) has now expired. The relief, granted on December 5, 2025, was valid until February 10, 2026.
The aviation regulator stated that IndiGo has confirmed all necessary operational, rostering and monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure full compliance with the approved FDTL scheme effective from February 11, 2026.
Background of the Exemption
The temporary exemption was granted in response to massive flight disruptions faced by IndiGo during early December 2025. The relaxation was designed to stabilize flight operations while safeguarding passenger safety and interest.
However, the exemption came with stringent conditions. IndiGo was required to submit hourly flight operations data to the DGCA and provide weekly or fortnightly performance reports throughout the exemption period.
Rigorous Monitoring During Exemption
During the three-month exemption period, DGCA maintained close oversight of the airline’s operations through periodic review meetings. Officers were deployed at multiple airports to supervise passenger handling and address inconvenience. Additionally, Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) were stationed at IndiGo’s Operations Control Centre for real-time monitoring to ensure continuous regulatory compliance.
Strengthened Operational Capacity
According to the DGCA, IndiGo has assured the regulator of its full preparedness to implement the revised FDTL norms dated October 9, 2025, following the expiry of the temporary relief.
The airline has significantly strengthened its operational resilience by increasing its crew buffer from virtually zero in December to 3 per cent in February. It has also raised its pilot-to-aircraft ratio to ensure smoother operations.
IndiGo’s Statement
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the airline’s readiness to meet the new requirements. “We would like to confirm that IndiGo has been and will always be fully compliant with any applicable version of FDTL norms; in fact, we have already integrated the new set of rules in our crew rosters and planning. As assured to the regulatory authorities earlier, we are maintaining an optimum pool of employees, including pilots, to ensure stable operations across our network,” the statement noted.
The airline’s transition to increased staffing buffers and revised crew planning represents a significant operational adjustment as it moves fully into the new FDTL framework under close regulatory supervision.
