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India Aviation Sector Losses Cross ₹24,000 Crore In 3 Years; ₹10,000 Crore More Likely SEO DES: Govt said post-1994 deregulation, airlines independently manage operations and finances based on market conditions without direct government control SOCIAL: India’s aviation sector reported ₹24,819 crore in losses over FY2022–23 to FY2024–25, the government informed Parliament. Losses were ₹18,606.78 crore in FY2022–23, ₹924.39 crore in FY2023–24, and ₹5,289.73 crore in FY2024–25 (provisional). The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the data was based on airline submissions. It also noted industry estimates of ₹9,500–₹10,500 crore additional losses in FY2025–26. The government reiterated that the sector is deregulated, with airlines independently managing operations and pricing, which depends on factors like fuel cost, demand, and capacity. New Delhi, India: India’s aviation sector has incurred cumulative losses of ₹24,819 crore over a three-year period from FY2022–23 to FY2024–25, the government informed the Rajya Sabha, reflecting continued financial strain across the industry. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, in a written reply, said the loss figures were based on data submitted by scheduled airline operators. According to the government, airlines reported losses of ₹18,606.78 crore in FY2022–23, which sharply narrowed to ₹924.39 crore in FY2023–24, before rising again to ₹5,289.73 crore (provisional) in FY2024–25, taking the total losses over the three financial years to ₹24,819 crore. The information was provided in response to a parliamentary query seeking details on the financial performance of the aviation sector, including loss trends and future outlook. The query also cited industry estimates suggesting that airlines could incur further losses in the range of ₹9,500 crore to ₹10,500 crore in FY2025–26, indicating that financial pressures may persist despite fluctuations in yearly performance. The government reiterated that the aviation sector operates in a deregulated environment following the repeal of the Air Corporations Act in March 1994, allowing airlines to independently take financial and operational decisions based on market conditions. It noted that aspects such as resource mobilisation, capacity planning and restructuring are managed by airlines on commercial considerations without direct government control. On airfare pricing, the minister said ticket rates are not regulated and are determined by airlines depending on several factors, including seat occupancy, fuel costs, aircraft capacity and seasonal demand. This dynamic pricing mechanism enables carriers to adjust fares in response to changing market conditions. Addressing cost structures, the government stated that the price of Aviation Turbine Fuel has been market-determined since April 1, 2001. ATF currently attracts 11 per cent central excise duty, while a reduced rate of 2 per cent applies to flights operating under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. In addition, state governments and Union Territories levy Value Added Tax on ATF at varying rates. Despite the deregulated framework, airlines continue to operate under regulatory oversight and are required to comply with provisions laid down under the Aircraft Rules, 1937, as well as civil aviation requirements issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

India Aviation Sector Losses Cross ₹24,000 Crore In 3 Years; ₹10,000 Crore More Likely

Aviation Today News Desk / March 20, 2026

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation sector has incurred cumulative losses of ₹24,819 crore over a three-year period from FY2022–23 to […]

IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet Flag DGCA’s Revised FDTL Framework As More Restrictive SEO DES: In a letter to DGCA, the FIA sought globally harmonised, evidence-based norms, saying fatigue should be managed via flight duty period, not flight time SOCIAL: India’s major airlines, through the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), have urged the DGCA to revise new FDTL and cabin crew rest norms, calling them more restrictive than global standards and operationally disruptive. The carriers argue the rules limit rostering flexibility, contributed to flight disruptions after enforcement in late 2025, and should focus on flight duty period rather than flight time. While the DGCA maintains strict compliance for safety, airlines continue to seek globally aligned, practical fatigue management norms. Delhi, India: India’s leading airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, have raised strong objections to newly implemented Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and cabin crew rest norms, claiming the rules are more restrictive than global standards and could disrupt flight operations, according to a report by PTI. The carriers, through the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), have written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requesting reconsideration of certain provisions, arguing that the framework limits flexibility in crew rostering, particularly during peak travel periods. Industry insiders warn that stringent compliance could affect domestic flight schedules and hinder operational efficiency. “While we fully support the objective of ensuring crew safety, some of the proposed restrictions are operationally challenging and do not align with global fatigue management practices,” the FIA said in a letter to the DGCA dated January 12. In this letter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) called for “globally harmonised, evidence-based and operationally practical provisions” in the final norms. The FIA emphasized that flight duty period, rather than flight time, should be the primary measure used to manage daily cabin crew fatigue. “Duty and rest limits may focus on Flight Duty Period and minimum rest periods, avoiding cumulative caps or direct linkage to the number of landings,” the FIA said in the letter, as reported by PTI. The airlines’ opposition highlights the real-world impact of these rules. By November 1, 2025, stricter FDTL norms were enforced, leading to operational disruptions in December that contributed to widespread IndiGo flight cancellations and delays, in which they had to adjust pilot and crew rosters to comply with new duty hour limits. Airlines argue that the regulatory framework, while well-intentioned, does not adequately account for the operational realities of India’s high-frequency domestic market, potentially creating a mismatch between safety compliance and service reliability. After granting temporary exemptions to IndiGo for night duty adjustments in late 2025, the DGCA confirmed that all carriers must now fully comply with the revised rules as of February 2026. Failure to adhere could result in regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action. The DGCA has also reiterated to the Delhi High Court that weekly pilot rest norms remain mandatory, maintaining the regulator’s firm stance on crew fatigue management. With stricter FDTL rules now fully in effect, India’s aviation sector faces a delicate balance between operational efficiency and safety compliance. While regulators emphasize safety as the top priority, airlines continue to lobby for adjustments that better reflect international practices and operational realities.

IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet Flag DGCA’s Revised FDTL Framework As More Restrictive

Aviation Today News Desk / February 13, 2026

Delhi, India: India’s leading airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, have raised strong objections to newly implemented Flight Duty

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two proposed airline operators Al Hind Air & FlyExpress in a strategic move aimed at expanding competition in India’s domestic aviation market following recent operational turmoil involving market‑leader IndiGo. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a social media post that the ministry has met with representatives from three emerging carriers Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress over the past week as part of efforts to encourage new entrants to the sector. While Shankh Air had already received its regulatory clearance earlier, both Al Hind Air and FlyExpress secured their NOCs this week. Al Hind Air is backed by Kerala’s Alhind Group, and FlyExpress is a Hyderabad‑based enterprise traditionally focused on courier and cargo operations. Shankh Air’s proposed business plan includes connecting major cities within Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra and Gorakhpur, with affordable air connectivity options. The government’s approvals come amid heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation market structure. Earlier this month, IndiGo’s failure to fully adapt to new crew rostering regulations triggered the cancellation of thousands of flights, stranding thousands of passengers. Industry analysts and officials have called for greater competition to prevent future systemic shocks. The Civil Aviation Ministry has highlighted existing schemes such as UDAN as instrumental in enabling smaller regional players including Star Air, India One Air and Fly91 to expand connectivity, while stressing there is substantial scope for further growth in what is one of the world’s fastest‑growing aviation markets. In the aftermath of IndiGo’s operational disruption, regulators have initiated multiple reviews. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has taken cognisance of complaints alleging antitrust violations by the airline, which holds a dominant market share. The initial assessment could lead to a detailed investigation if evidence of market abuse is found. IndiGo’s operations, which stabilised in mid‑December with restoration to roughly 2,200 daily flights, are also under regulatory examination. Authorities have imposed temporary fare caps and ordered expedited refunds for affected passengers.   While the approvals for Al Hind Air and FlyExpress signal a policy pivot towards diversification, aviation experts caution that long‑term viability for new carriers hinges on tackling structural challenges such as high operating costs, fuel taxation, and aircraft acquisition bottlenecks. The government’s move to issue NOCs to new airlines reflects a broader strategy to build resilience in India’s air transport sector by reducing over‑dependence on a small number of carriers and enhancing choices for millions of domestic flyers.

India Grants NOCs To Al Hind Air And FlyExpress To Boost Airline Competition

Aviation Today News Desk / December 24, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two proposed airline operators Al

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is battling a major operational crisis after its on-time performance (OTP) plunged sharply to just 19.7% on December 3, triggering widespread flight delays and 200 flight cancellations across key airports and disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers nationwide. As per IndiGo's website, the airline operates well over 2,200 daily flights. Government data from Wednesday shows the airline’s on-time performance plunging to just 19.7%, a dramatic fall for a carrier long associated with punctuality. This implies that over 1,767 flights were delayed on that day alone. The turbulence continued and on Wednesday airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad collectively reported 200 flight cancellations by afternoon, in addition to hundreds of delayed departures and arrivals. The combined impact of delays and cancellations caused widespread disruption for domestic travellers, leaving passengers stranded, scrambling for alternatives, and highlighting the operational strain on the airline’s network. Official airport punctuality data on 3rd December shows a stark contrast between IndiGo and other domestic airlines: IndiGo: 19.7% Alliance Air: 68.0% Air India: 66.8% Akasa Air: 67.5% Air India Express: 69.9% SpiceJet: 68.70% The disruptions are evident from the airline’s on-time performance (OTP) data; merely 19.7% on Wednesday, 35% of the IndiGo flights operated on time on Tuesday, while the figure was around 50% on Monday, as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation. IndiGo’s OTP typically used to be upwards of 80% prior to the second phase of the new FDTL norms taking effect in November. Aviation industry officials attribute the crisis primarily to a severe shortage of pilots and cabin crew, which has worsened following the enforcement of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. The updated rules require stricter rest periods, reduced night operations, and tighter rostering limits, significantly shrinking the pool of available crew for daily operations. In addition to crew constraints, airport congestion, winter fog disruptions in north India, and internal operational realignments further compounded the stress on the airline’s network, according to aviation sources. The disruption led to multiple delays stretching into several hours, and in many cases, short-notice cancellations, forcing passengers to look for alternative routes or remain stranded at airports. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints highlighting missed connections, lack of timely communication, and prolonged waiting at check-in counters and boarding gates. Several travellers reported delays exceeding four to six hours, while others were informed of cancellations only after reaching the airport. Business travellers and holiday passengers alike were impacted during what is traditionally a high-demand travel period. IndiGo acknowledged the disruption and attributed it to a combination of crew unavailability and operational challenges. In a public advisory, the airline urged passengers to check real-time flight status before heading to the airport and assured customers that rebooking or full refunds would be provided in accordance with company policy. The airline also stated that it is working on “calibrated schedule adjustments” to stabilise operations and gradually restore normalcy across the network. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that it is looking into the IndiGo flight disruptions and has asked the airline to submit a report detailing the reasons for the situation.

IndiGo On-Time Performance Falls To 19.7% As Crew Shortage Triggers 200 Cancellations

Aviation Today News Desk / December 4, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is battling a major operational crisis after its on-time performance (OTP) plunged sharply

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the much-anticipated second airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, is set to commence commercial flight operations on 25 December 2025, with IndiGo and Akasa Air announcing inaugural services. IndiGo plans to connect NMIA to major domestic cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, North Goa (Mopa), Jaipur, Nagpur, Kochi, and Mangalore. Ticket bookings for these routes are now open. Akasa Air will begin flights from NMIA on the same day, starting with Delhi, and will gradually introduce services to Ahmedabad, Goa (Mopa), and Kochi. The new airport, located near Ulwe in Panvel, is designed to complement the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and alleviate congestion in India’s busiest aviation hub. Phase 1 of NMIA features a single terminal and one runway, capable of handling approximately 20 million passengers annually, with expansion plans to increase capacity in subsequent phases. Early fare comparisons indicate a divergence between airlines. For instance, IndiGo’s one-way ticket from NMIA to Delhi is priced around ₹7,350, whereas Akasa Air offers the same route at ₹5,558, reflecting different pricing strategies and user-development fees at the new airport. Industry experts say NMIA’s opening is expected to create significant employment opportunities in aviation, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, while providing passengers from Navi Mumbai and surrounding suburbs with more convenient access to air travel. While the 25 December launch date is confirmed, airlines are expected to release detailed schedules, aircraft types, and frequencies in the coming weeks. Full international operations will be phased in over time, with Phase 1 focused on domestic connectivity.

Navi Mumbai Airport Starts Operations Dec 25, IndiGo & Akasa Announce Inaugural Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / November 18, 2025

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the much-anticipated second airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, is set to commence

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing to roll out a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) framework for cabin crew, marking a significant shift in India’s approach to aviation training and safety. The initiative aims to move beyond traditional checklist-driven instruction and instead focus on developing measurable, scenario-based competencies that improve crew performance in real-life situations. DGCA Chief Flight Operations Inspector Shweta Singh said that draft regulations for the new training model are expected to be released within a month, and the adoption will be voluntary for airlines at the initial stage. The framework is expected to eventually become an integral part of airline training programs across India. The CBTA model, already implemented for pilot training since 2022, emphasizes skill proficiency, decision-making, and communication under operational pressures rather than rote procedural knowledge. Singh explained, “For example, if there is a fire in the cabin, how will they deal with it, how will they communicate, how will they coordinate? All these performance indicators will be embedded in the CBTA framework to help cabin crew train better.” Industry leaders have welcomed the move as a progressive step that aligns Indian aviation standards with global practices recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAO’s competency-based approach ensures that crew members are not only trained to complete tasks but also assessed on how effectively they handle unexpected challenges during flight operations. At a recent industry conference, Captain Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at IndiGo, said that competency, rather than crew numbers, determines operational safety and efficiency. “The number of people onboard matters less than how competent they are to handle different situations,” Mittra stated, emphasizing the importance of advanced training models as India’s airlines continue to expand their fleets and international operations. India’s aviation sector is among the fastest-growing in the world, with airlines adding hundreds of new aircraft over the next decade. This growth has created a parallel demand for highly skilled flight and cabin crew, and the DGCA’s move to adopt CBTA reflects the regulator’s effort to strengthen operational safety standards amid rapid expansion. The regulator’s shift toward competency-based models also aligns with its broader vision of improving human performance, safety culture, and regulatory oversight within the Indian aviation ecosystem. Aviation experts believe that implementing CBTA will not only elevate the quality of training but also make Indian crew members more adaptable and globally competitive.

DGCA To Introduce Competency-Based Training Framework For Cabin Crew Across Airlines

Aviation Today News Desk / November 12, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing to roll out a Competency-Based Training and Assessment

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