India's aviation sector, the fastest-growing globally, faced major disruption last week continuing till date. Multiple cancellations since early last week by IndiGo resulted in outrage, disappointment and chaos with passengers being left stranded for days. Many without access to food, no sight of their baggage and endless queues and wait times even for the elderly. The problem? Was it monopoly? As IndiGo controlled 60-65 % of the domestic market. IndiGo, which usually operates around 2,300 flights daily with a fleet of over 400 aircraft, has seen its OTP collapse to 19.7%, down from 35% the day before. This huge operational collapse of IndiGo exposed the fragility of Indian aviation sector.
IndiGo Disruptions Serve as Stress Test for India’s Rapidly Expanding Aviation Market
The chaos began when new DGCA-mandated pilot duty norms (FDTL rules) - designed to ensure safer flying hours - took effect in December. IndiGo admitted it underestimated how many pilots it needed under the new rules, causing a severe rostering crunch. The result was unprecedented flight disruptions: Flight cancellations nationwide, packed terminals, angry passengers, and skyrocketing fares.
Mass Cancellations at IndiGo Put Industry Preparedness Under Scrutiny
After consultations with stakeholders and pilots’ bodies, the government decided to temporarily keep the FDTL norms in abeyance for some time and take a phased approach to reduce the crisis. However, the one-day exemption of norms irked the Airlines' Pilots Association, pilots' body, which raised "strong" objections, saying the decision not only sets a "dangerous precedent" but also undermines the very principle and purpose of the civil aviation requirement under which the norms have been formulated. The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) said the disruptions point to a failure of proactive resource planning. Following the crisis, the Centre ordered a high-level probe to determine the reasons and accountability for flight disruptions.
Rebuilding a 19- year 'brand' image
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has apologised and stated that operations are expected to stabilise between December 10 and 15. IndiGo has processed refunds totalling Rs 610 crore so far against cancelled or severely delayed flights, and delivered 3,000 pieces of baggage to passengers across the country as of Saturday, the government said on Sunday
Many blame IndiGo for prioritising profits over preparation, others criticise the government for creating a monopoly. Most effected remain the passengers, frustrated with cancellations, poor communication, and call for more stringent regulations. Will more foreign airlines come to Indian skies? Lets wait and see…
Though the operations will come back to normal, it will take more than that for IndiGo to rebuild the image as ‘India’s preferred and amongst the fastest growing carriers in the world.’
