DGCA Imposes Penalty on IndiGo for Non - Compliance with FDTL Norms

The DGCA imposed a penalty of INR 22 cr (approx.) on IndiGo for repeated non-compliance with Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, resulting in operational disruptions and flight cancellations. The enforcement action reflects heightened regulatory scrutiny on airline adherence to crew scheduling and fatigue management standards, particularly in light of revised FDTL requirements aimed at strengthening operational safety.

The revised FDTL framework introduces enhanced safeguards, including an increase in weekly pilot rest from 36 to 48 hours, tighter limits on permissible flight time, restrictions on night operations (including caps on night landings and consecutive night duties), and stricter requirements around mandatory rest periods and advance roster publication. These changes are expected to require airlines to recalibrate crew rostering practices and operational planning to ensure compliance while maintaining schedule reliability.