New Delhi: Following widespread flight delays and cancellations by M/s IndiGo between 3–5 December 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a total financial penalty of ₹22.20 crore and directed deep systemic reforms to strengthen operational resilience and passenger protection.
The disruptions led to:
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2,507 flight cancellations
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1,852 delayed flights
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Over 3 lakh passengers affected nationwide
A four-member inquiry committee was constituted by DGCA on the directions of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to conduct a comprehensive review.
Key Findings of the DGCA Inquiry
The committee identified systemic and managerial failures, including:
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Over-optimisation of operations at the cost of safety buffers
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Inadequate regulatory preparedness for revised FDTL norms
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Deficiencies in software systems and operational planning tools
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Weak management oversight and control mechanisms
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Excessive crew utilisation, minimal buffer margins, heavy reliance on dead-heading and extended duty cycles
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Failure to properly implement revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms
The inquiry concluded that these practices significantly compromised operational resilience and passenger convenience.
Enforcement Action Against Senior IndiGo Officials
DGCA issued strict disciplinary actions against key officials of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd.:
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CEO – Cautioned for inadequate oversight and crisis management
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COO (Accountable Manager) – Warned for failure to assess winter schedule and FDTL impact
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SVP (Operations Control Centre) – Directed to be relieved of operational responsibilities
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Warnings also issued to senior officers in Flight Operations, Crew Planning and Roster Management
IndiGo has been instructed to submit a compliance report after internal accountability review.
₹22.20 Crore Total Financial Penalty Breakdown
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-time systemic violations (6 CAR breaches) | ₹1.80 crore |
| Continued non-compliance penalty (68 days × ₹30 lakh/day) | ₹20.40 crore |
| Total Penalty Imposed | ₹22.20 crore |
Violations included failures under multiple Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) related to:
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FDTL compliance
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Operational control
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Accountability of management
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Safety governance
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Delegation failures
₹50 Crore Bank Guarantee for Long-Term Reforms
DGCA has also ordered IndiGo to furnish a ₹50 crore Bank Guarantee under a special framework titled:
IndiGo Systemic Reform Assurance Scheme (ISRAS)
Release of this guarantee will depend on DGCA-certified reforms across four pillars:
| Reform Area | Linked Amount | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership & governance reforms | ₹10 crore | 3 months |
| Manpower planning, rostering, fatigue management | ₹15 crore | 6 months |
| Digital systems & operational resilience upgrades | ₹15 crore | 9 months |
| Board-level oversight & sustained compliance | ₹10 crore | 9–15 months |
Each stage will require independent verification by DGCA.
Passenger Relief Measures Recognised
DGCA acknowledged that IndiGo restored operations quickly after the disruption. It also noted that:
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Refunds and CAR compensation were processed
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IndiGo issued a ‘Gesture of Care’ voucher worth ₹10,000 (valid for 12 months) for passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed over 3 hours during 3–5 December.
Internal Reforms Also Ordered Within DGCA
On directions of MoCA, DGCA itself has initiated an internal inquiry to improve regulatory preparedness and systemic resilience.
Conclusion
DGCA reiterated that:
Safety, compliance, and passenger welfare remain non-negotiable priorities.
The enforcement actions are aimed not just at penalisation, but at long-term structural correction to ensure sustainable airline operations and to safeguard the interests of pilots, crew, and passengers alike.
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Source: PIB
