The stock fell to Rs 5,405 in morning trading, hitting its lowest point in more than five months. This decline continued for a second consecutive session after IndiGo encountered one of its most significant operational challenges in recent years, with approximately 200 flights cancelled on Wednesday
In response to the widespread cancellations, IndiGo issued an apology, acknowledging the major disruptions across its network over the past two days. Representational Pic
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, experienced a drop of over 3 per cent in its shares on Thursday as the airline faced widespread flight disruptions nationwide.
The stock fell to Rs 5,405 in morning trading, hitting its lowest point in more than five months. This decline continued for a second consecutive session after IndiGo encountered one of its most significant operational challenges in recent years, with approximately 200 flights cancelled on Wednesday, reported news agency IANS.
The disruptions were mainly caused by a severe shortage of crew members, especially pilots, following the introduction of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations last month.
The new rules require airlines to provide more rest hours and humane work schedules for crew members. IndiGo has struggled to quickly adjust its network to comply with these changes.
According to the IANS, the impact carried over to Thursday, with nearly 73 flights cancelled at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, adding to passenger inconvenience.
In response to the widespread cancellations, IndiGo issued an apology, acknowledging the major disruptions across its network over the past two days.
The airline cited multiple unforeseen challenges, including minor technical glitches, winter schedule adjustments, bad weather, increased air traffic congestion, and the rollout of updated crew rostering rules, which collectively created a difficult-to-anticipate situation, reported IANS.
To stabilise operations, IndiGo has implemented calibrated schedule adjustments that will remain in place for the next 48 hours. The airline expects these measures to restore normal operations and gradually improve punctuality.
Meanwhile, the aviation regulator DGCA has launched an investigation into the disruptions. The watchdog has asked IndiGo to submit a detailed report explaining the reasons behind the cancellations and its plans to reduce delays and minimise passenger inconvenience.
On Tuesday, IndiGo shares had already fallen around 2 per cent to close at Rs 5,595.50. Despite slipping nearly 6 per cent over the past five days, the stock remains more than 2 per cent higher than its level six months ago.
ALPA urges DGCA to review pilot availability amid rising cancellations
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) on Thursday raised concerns over recent flight cancellations across the country, which have been largely attributed to a pilot shortage linked to new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations. The association questioned whether the crisis stems from poor airline planning, regulatory oversight by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), or a combination of factors affecting market fairness.
ALPA highlighted that airlines, including IndiGo, were aware of the revised FDTL norms issued by the DGCA in January 2024, with phased implementation beginning later that year. Despite sufficient lead time, many carriers reportedly failed to properly adjust crew rosters 15 days in advance as required, suggesting an initial underestimation or delay in strategic planning to ensure adequate pilot availability.
Aviation experts have also speculated that some airlines might be using flight delays and cancellations as an “immature pressure tactic” to compel regulators to relax or grant dispensations for the stricter FDTL norms, potentially compromising the safety intent of these rules designed to reduce pilot fatigue.
(With IANS inputs)
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