Understanding IndiGo Flight Disruptions and FDTL Impact

IndiGo Flight Disruptions: Causes and Solutions

In recent days, IndiGo has experienced significant flight cancellations and delays, affecting thousands of passengers. The primary cause is a severe crew shortage, initiated by the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, which entered their final phase last month. As India’s largest airline, managing over 60% of domestic air traffic, IndiGo was not sufficiently prepared for the stringent duty and rest requirements. Consequently, their punctuality plummeted, with only 19.7% of flights on time on December 3.

Why IndiGo Is Hit Harder Than Other Airlines

The new FDTL rules apply to all domestic airlines; however, IndiGo has suffered disproportionately. Several factors contribute to this situation:

• Massive Scale and High-Frequency Network: IndiGo operates the largest network and the most daily flights in India, which amplifies the impact of crew shortages compared to smaller airlines.
• Heavy Late-Night and Early-Morning Operations: A significant share of IndiGo's flights occurs during late-night and early-morning hours, segments most affected by stricter rest requirements under the new FDTL norms.
• Extremely High Crew and Aircraft Utilisation: IndiGo’s operational strategy focuses on maximizing the usage of crew and aircraft, allowing little flexibility when new regulations limit flying hours.

Why Other Airlines Are Less Affected

Other carriers have lower-than-optimal aircraft utilization due to:

• Delayed new aircraft deliveries
• Aircraft grounded for refits

This results in more pilots being available per aircraft, enabling them to better manage crew rostering and adapt to the new FDTL norms.

What the New FDTL Norms Changed

The revised FDTL norms introduced several fatigue-mitigation measures:

• Weekly rest increased from 36 to 48 hours
• Night landings capped at two, reduced from six
• Definition of night hours extended by one hour

These revisions have significantly tightened crew availability and operational flexibility, particularly for airlines like IndiGo with extensive night operations.

Implementation Timeline and Industry Pushback

Initially planned for June 2024, the norms faced opposition from airlines, including IndiGo, which argued for a phased transition. Following a directive from the Delhi High Court, the DGCA implemented the rules in two phases (July and November). Phase 1 involved longer weekly rest, which IndiGo managed relatively well, while Phase 2 imposed stricter night-time limits, disproportionately affecting IndiGo.

Operational Domino Effect: Why Delays Turn Into Meltdowns

IndiGo primarily operates narrow-body A320 aircraft, each flying multiple legs daily. If a crew reaches its duty limit due to earlier delays, the airline must quickly find replacements. With minimal backup staff and high utilization, small delays can cascade into major disruptions, intensifying crew shortages and resulting in rapid cancellations.

Scale of Disruptions and Decline in On-Time Performance

In November, IndiGo recorded 1,232 flight cancellations. Its on-time performance (OTP) dropped from 84.1% in October to 67.7% in November, and further declined in December, damaging its reputation for punctuality.

IndiGo’s Explanation: Multiple Operational Stress Points

IndiGo attributed these disruptions to several unforeseen operational challenges, including:

• Minor technology glitches
• Winter schedule adjustments
• Adverse weather conditions
• Increased congestion in the aviation system
• Full implementation of the FDTL rules

Steps IndiGo Is Taking to Stabilise Operations

According to the DGCA, IndiGo has initiated corrective actions, including:

• Strengthening Crew Planning and Rostering: Aligning crew assignments with FDTL rest and duty requirements.
• Improving Coordination with ATC and Airports: Enhancing communication to manage airspace constraints and minimize bottlenecks.
• Enhancing Turnaround and Disruption Management: Accelerating ground processes and improving responses to cascading delays.

These measures are aimed at gradually stabilizing IndiGo’s operations while complying with FDTL norms.

Pilot Bodies Blame IndiGo for Poor Preparedness

Pilot associations claim that IndiGo was unprepared for the new FDTL rules despite prior notice. They attribute the disruptions to failures in proactive resource planning, suggesting that airlines may be trying to persuade the DGCA to relax the norms. They criticize IndiGo for operating with a prolonged and unconventional lean manpower strategy, particularly in flight operations. They argue that the current crisis stems from:

• A hiring freeze despite a two-year runway
• Non-poaching agreements
• Pilot pay freeze
• Short-sighted planning and underinvestment in staffing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What caused the recent flight disruptions at IndiGo?
Answer: IndiGo's flight disruptions were primarily due to crew shortages caused by the new FDTL norms, which imposed stricter duty and rest requirements.

Q2. How do FDTL norms affect airlines?
Answer: FDTL norms limit the number of flying hours and increase rest requirements for crew, impacting operational flexibility