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Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as temporary airspace closures come into force ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Authorities have issued formal restrictions that are expected to affect hundreds of scheduled flights between January 21 and January 26. Under Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and associated civil aviation agencies, the airspace over Delhi will be closed to commercial departures and arrivals daily between 10:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. (IST) for a duration of 2 hours 25 minutes. The restrictions are designed to facilitate military flypast rehearsals, parade drills and associated aerial security procedures ahead of the Republic Day parade. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 600 flights are likely to be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled over the six-day period due to the closure coinciding with one of IGIA’s busiest scheduling windows. Airlines have warned of unpredictable movement patterns throughout the affected window, with adjustments to flight departures and arrivals increasingly likely during the restricted hours. Passengers travelling to or from Delhi are being urged to check flight status updates directly with carriers before their scheduled departure. On January 19, well ahead of the formal restriction dates, three Srinagar–Delhi flights were cancelled as preliminary rehearsals triggered temporary shutdowns of critical airspace corridors, highlighting the cascading impacts of the restrictions. Regional disruptions are also emerging. On the Delhi–Pantnagar route, early-morning services were cancelled due to the imposed no-fly zone, with airlines offering rebooking or refunds to affected passengers. Similarly, two Air India flights operating between Nagpur and Delhi have been cancelled through January 26 as operators adjust schedules in light of the closure. The closures coincide with peak winter weather conditions in the national capital region. Dense fog and poor visibility have already contributed to flight delays and cancellations at IGIA and other airports in northern India in recent days. A travel advisory issued on January 17 by Delhi Airport officials highlighted that persistent fog coupled with heightened Republic Day security measures could create compounded challenges for passengers and airlines. The airspace restrictions form part of an integrated national security plan for Republic Day, which also includes extensive no-fly zones and road traffic curbs in central Delhi on rehearsal and parade days. Delhi Police and civil aviation authorities have coordinated the measures to balance security needs with transport continuity.

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Aviation Today News Desk / January 21, 2026

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as […]

New Delhi, India: India’s civil aviation sector is facing an escalating pilot shortage that has forced major carriers into an unprecedented competition for captains and senior flight crew, industry sources and official communications show. The scramble for personnel comes amid tighter safety rules on flight duty times and a recent operational disruption at the country’s largest airline. The roster crisis first became widely visible earlier in December, when IndiGo operated by InterGlobe Aviation Ltd cancelled thousands of flights due to crew unavailability following the implementation of stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These rules, aimed at improving pilot rest and reducing fatigue, require longer rest periods and limit the number of night landings, increasing the number of pilots needed for scheduled services. According to TOI, both IndiGo and the Air India group have entered a fierce competition to recruit experienced captains, with some offers reportedly including joining bonuses of up to ₹50 lakh to attract talent from rivals or international carriers. Such incentives rarely seen at this scale in Indian aviation reflect the acute need for senior pilots capable of leading flight operations across domestic and international routes. Earlier IndiGo has informed the DGCA that it plans to add about 100 pilots in January, while Air India has launched new hiring drives. However, both carriers are dealing with a rise in captain departures, some moving overseas sharpening the recruitment battle as airlines work to meet required crew levels. A senior airline executive quoted by TOI described the situation as exceptionally intense, noting that carriers are actively poaching captains from each other and bracing for continued shortages as FDTL norms reduce the pool of available crew. In response to the operational stress and pilot attrition, IndiGo has announced a revision of pilot compensation, including increases in domestic layover, deadhead, night flying, transit, and newly introduced tail-swap allowances, effective January 1, 2026. Communication from the airline’s flight operations leadership details the enhanced pay structure for both captains and first officers. India is set to see an intense contest for captains between the Air India group and IndiGo. While Air India does not currently face a pilot shortage across most of its fleet, barring the Boeing 787, it must recruit for future growth. IndiGo, meanwhile, will need to strengthen pilot–management relations to retain and attract talent. Akasa does not require additional pilots as it has a surplus. Unless Air India and IndiGo offer improved working conditions, they risk continued pilot migration to the Middle East and destinations such as Vietnam,” said Captain Shakti Lumba, former vice president of Air India and IndiGo. As India’s air passenger traffic continues to grow with the domestic market among the world’s busiest airlines are under pressure to not only restore operational reliability but also to build a resilient workforce.

Airlines

Pilot Shortage Sparks Hiring War As IndiGo, Air India Offer Bonuses Up To ₹50 Lakh

Aviation Today News Desk / January 1, 2026

New Delhi, India: India’s civil aviation sector is facing an escalating pilot shortage that has forced major carriers into an

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure expansion and easing long-standing capacity constraints in the Mumbai metropolitan region. On its first full day of scheduled operations, the airport handled 48 domestic flights, collectively serving more than 4,000 passengers, according to officials and airline data. The launch positions Mumbai as India’s first true dual-airport metropolitan region, complementing the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The inaugural commercial arrival was an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru, which landed earlier in the day and received a ceremonial water salute. Other carriers operating from NMIA on day one included Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air, offering connectivity to multiple domestic destinations. Initial operations at NMIA are being conducted on a limited daily schedule, with authorities confirming that flight volumes and operating hours will be gradually expanded in the coming weeks. The airport is expected to transition to round-the-clock operations once infrastructure readiness and air traffic coordination are fully optimized. Designed to significantly decongest CSMIA, NMIA will play a central role in accommodating Mumbai’s rapidly growing air travel demand. Once fully developed, the airport is projected to handle tens of millions of passengers annually, with future phases including international passenger services and dedicated cargo operations. Navi Mumbai International Airport is positioning itself as more than a transport hub by embedding culture, hospitality and leisure into the passenger journey from day one. Its non-aeronautical ecosystem introduces India-first concepts such as locally rooted dining brands, personalised meet-and-greet services, an in-terminal transit hotel and immersive cultural zones, reflecting a shift toward experience-led airport design. By integrating rest, retail, art and public spaces into its phased rollout, NMIA aims to redefine how airports engage with both travellers and the city, treating the airport as an extension of urban life rather than a standalone transit facility Aviation and government officials have described the launch as a transformational step for the region’s mobility ecosystem. By redistributing domestic traffic between two airports, authorities expect improved operational efficiency, reduced congestion, and better on-time performance for airlines operating in and out of Mumbai. The airport is also expected to act as a catalyst for economic development in Navi Mumbai, supporting employment generation, real estate growth, and logistics expansion.

Airports

Navi Mumbai Airport Begins Operations With 48 Flights, Serving Over 4k Passengers Daily

Aviation Today News Desk / December 26, 2025

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation

Aviation Today Perspectives

Automation Rises, But Are Indian Pilots Being Trained To Keep Pace With The Future?

Aviation Today Perspectives / December 21, 2025

By Captain Shahinsha S.K (A Seasoned Pilot Trainer and Former CFI & HT-DE) When I fly from Hyderabad to Dubai in

Airlines

ED Enables ₹312 Crore Payout To Former Kingfisher Airlines Employees After 12-Yrs Wait

Aviation Today News Desk / December 20, 2025

New Delhi, India: In a significant relief to thousands of former Kingfisher Airlines employees, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has enabled

New Delhi, India: India’s aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry is projected to grow into a $4 billion market by 2031, supported by regulatory reforms, rising aircraft inductions and increasing participation from global aviation companies, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said. The minister made the remarks while addressing an aviation industry gathering, where he outlined the government’s strategy to transform India into a competitive global MRO destination and curb the country’s heavy reliance on overseas maintenance facilities. At present, nearly nine out of ten Indian-registered aircraft are maintained abroad, primarily due to cost disadvantages and regulatory complexities. This has resulted in substantial foreign exchange outflows, estimated by industry bodies at over $1.5 billion annually. Officials believe that strengthening domestic MRO capacity can reverse this trend while improving operational efficiency for Indian airlines. Naidu said the government has undertaken a series of policy measures to improve the sector’s viability, most notably the reduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on MRO services from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, placing India on a more level footing with established MRO hubs in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. “These reforms are intended to create a stable, predictable and investor-friendly environment,” the minister said, adding that lower taxation and streamlined compliance procedures have already begun to attract international players. The inauguration of new facilities, including Safran Aircraft Engine Services India, has been cited by the ministry as a key milestone in building a strong MRO ecosystem. The Safran facility is expected to support next-generation aircraft engines and contribute to skill development, technology transfer and local employment. India’s commercial aviation sector continues to expand rapidly. The country is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, and its fleet size is expected to grow sharply over the next decade. Industry projections suggest that Indian airlines could be operating more than 1,500 aircraft by the early 2030s, significantly increasing demand for routine maintenance, heavy checks and engine overhauls. Government officials say a robust MRO sector will help airlines reduce aircraft downtime, lower operating costs and improve fleet availability. The sector is also expected to generate high-skilled jobs in engineering, tooling, quality assurance and aviation safety, while supporting allied industries such as component manufacturing and logistics. Naidu reiterated that developing domestic MRO capabilities aligns with the government’s broader “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. By retaining maintenance work within the country, India aims to strengthen its position across the global aviation value chain and reduce long-term dependence on foreign service providers. The ministry has indicated that further policy fine-tuning and infrastructure development, particularly at major airports and upcoming aviation hubs, will continue as part of efforts to sustain long-term growth in the sector.

MRO

India Eyes $4 Billion MRO Market By 2031 To Cut Overseas Aircraft Maintenance

Aviation Today News Desk / December 17, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry is projected to grow into a $4 billion market

New Delhi, India: IndiGo has been ordered by the government to announce significant reductions in its domestic flight schedule this winter, with daily operations expected to drop sharply amid operational challenges. The airline’s winter schedule cut was initially set at 5% but was later doubled to 10% by the government on December 9, 2025. The approved winter schedule originally planned 15,014 weekly departures, translating to over 2,200 daily flights. A 5% reduction would have removed about 108 flights per day, while the latest 10% cut corresponds to roughly 216 fewer flights daily. Sources suggest that IndiGo may operate as few as 1,800–1,900 flights per day, indicating up to 500 daily cancellations. Flight disruptions were already evident in November 2025, when the airline operated 59,438 out of the scheduled 64,346 flights, resulting in 951 cancellations for the month. Aircraft availability has also been below the planned numbers: although winter estimations projected 403 aircraft, only 339 aircraft in October and 344 in November were operational. Industry analysts warn that these reductions may exacerbate travel disruptions during peak winter months, particularly on busy domestic routes, as IndiGo continues to adjust its operations to match aircraft availability and crew capacity. IndiGo continues to grapple with operational challenges this winter, as hundreds of flights are being cancelled across major airports nationwide. As of December 10, 2025, the highest number of cancellations was reported from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, where 61 flights including 35 arrivals and 26 departures were cancelled. Goa International Airport also saw multiple flight cancellations affecting routes to and from Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi. In Ahmedabad, 10 IndiGo flights were called off. Data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation indicates that between December 1–8, 2025, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) recorded 905 flight cancellations and 1,475 delays exceeding 30 minutes, impacting around 2,60,000 passengers. IndiGo also plans for a hiring drive of around 900 recruits to meet DGCA’s stricter night-flight and duty-time norms, with the regulator setting 10 February as the compliance deadline. The airline detailed its hiring ramp-up in a submission to the DGCA, according to documents reviewed by Mint, stating it plans to induct 158 pilots by February, while the remaining 742 will be hired gradually by December next year, underlining the scale of the staffing challenge. The government had intervened, ordering a 10% reduction in IndiGo’s winter flight schedule to stabilize operations. Despite management assurances that the situation had “stabilized,” cancellations persist at multiple airports, highlighting the ongoing operational strain. The underlying trigger for the disruption lies in the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms introduced by the DGCA, aimed at strengthening aviation safety by reducing fatigue-related risks for pilots. The second and most stringent phase of these rules came into force on November 1, 2025. Under the revised framework, pilots are mandated to receive 48 consecutive hours of weekly rest, face tighter limits on consecutive night duties, and are subject to caps on night landings and duty extensions. Despite IndiGo’s assurances that operations are stabilizing, large-scale cancellations continue to impact major airports, raising concerns over reliability during the peak winter travel season. https://x.com/RamMNK/status/1998090240100344187/photo/1

DGCA

DGCA Orders IndiGo To Cut 10% Flights This Winter, Daily Operations May Drop Over 200

Aviation Today News Desk / December 10, 2025

New Delhi, India: IndiGo has been ordered by the government to announce significant reductions in its domestic flight schedule this

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is gearing up for a record-scale pilot recruitment drive to meet the February 10 DGCA deadline under revised flight duty regulations, following a surge in flight cancellations due to operational strain. Pilot Availability and Recruitment Plan For its Airbus fleet, IndiGo reported 2,357 captains and 2,194 first officers as of December. The airline plans to bolster its crew numbers in the coming months as follows: By end-December 2025: 25 captains and 35 first officers January 2026: 28 captains and 35 first officers By February 10, 2026: 15 captains and 20 first officers This recruitment would raise the total to 2,425 captains and 2,284 first officers by the February compliance date. As per its FY25 annual report, IndiGo had 5,456 pilots in total, including captains and first officers. India’s civil-aviation regulator, DGCA, has granted a one-time relaxation of certain night-duty and crew-rest provisions under the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms to help stabilize operations after hundreds of flight cancellations last week by IndiGo. The relaxation, valid until 10 February 2026, covers night-flying limits and allows leave to count as part of weekly rest periods. The disruption began after the second phase of FDTL norms took effect on 1 November 2025, introducing stricter duty-hour caps, night-flying restrictions, and extended weekly rest measures to reduce pilot fatigue and improve safety. Airlines struggled with roster planning and crew availability under the new rules, leading to widespread cancellations. Thousands of passengers at major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad faced delays, long queues, and frustration. Airlines warned disruptions would continue for a few more days and began scaling down operations from 8 December to restore normal service. To manage crew shortages, IndiGo announced it would cancel 300–400 flights daily between 5 and 8 December to reset its roster, followed by a revised schedule from 10 to 31 December. Analysts have flagged that the scale and speed of recruitment may be difficult to achieve. Elara Securities estimates IndiGo may need to hire at least 900 pilots to comply fully by February. “Meeting this target could be challenging, as poaching talent is difficult due to long notice periods, six months for co-pilots and 12 months for captains,” said Gagan Dixit, Senior Vice President at Elara Securities. Mark D Martin, CEO of Martin Consulting, added that immediate availability remains a key constraint, noting that foreign pilot hiring requires a minimum of three months for regulatory clearances. IndiGo operates 417 aircraft, including A320s, ATRs, a Boeing jet on wet lease, and freighters. Nearly 40 A320 aircraft remain grounded due to engine issues with Pratt & Whitney, reducing the effective A320 fleet to about 325 aircraft. These aircraft are flown for about 14 hours daily, significantly higher than the industry norm of 8.5 hours. At this utilisation, IndiGo requires 17 pilot-and-copilot sets per aircraft, versus the usual 14. Martin Consulting estimates the crew requirement at 5,525, while DGCA filings show 4,551 crew available in December, a shortfall of 974 pilots. IndiGo operates with 2.5 pilots per departure, compared to 5.4 pilots for Air India and Akasa Air. This reflects both IndiGo’s fleet concentration on narrow-body A320s and higher aircraft utilisation. The airline’s heavy reliance on high-utilisation A320 operations means that each additional flying hour amplifies its pilot requirement. With nearly 40 aircraft grounded, IndiGo is attempting to maintain schedules with fewer pilots, compounding the challenge just as night-operation curbs tighten. Analysts warn that bridging the gap will require aggressive recruitment, expedited training, and regulatory approvals, all while maintaining operational safety.

Airlines

IndiGo To Hire 900 Pilots In Record Drive Ahead Of DGCA Night-Flight Deadline

Aviation Today News Desk / December 8, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is gearing up for a record-scale pilot recruitment drive to meet the February

New Delhi, India: In a decisive move to tackle widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on 5th December, 2025 that certain Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) enforced by the DGCA have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect. The temporary suspension aims to restore airline operations, relieve passenger distress, and maintain safety standards. IndiGo, India’s largest domestic carrier, cancelled over 1,000 flights across its network over the past five days, affecting major airports including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad. On Friday, 5 December, nearly 400 flights were cancelled in a single day, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers. Previously, media reports estimated that cumulative cancellations during the multi-day disruption crossed the 550 flight mark nationwide. The airline’s on-time performance (OTP) fell sharply to 8.5%, 19.7% on Wednesday, 35% of the IndiGo flights operated on time on Tuesday, down from 67.7% in November 2025 before FDTL enforcement. The disruption was triggered by DGCA’s revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, aimed at reducing pilot fatigue and enhancing safety. The stricter Phase 2, effective from 1 November 2025, mandates 48 hours of weekly rest, limits consecutive night duties, and caps night landings and duty extensions The official PIB statement highlighted that the abeyance of FDTL rules is “urgent and proactive” and undertaken “solely in the interest of passengers,” particularly seniors, students, patients, and travellers dependent on timely air services. The government has mandated: Immediate restoration of flight schedules, with normal operations expected within three days. Airlines provide real-time updates, automatic refunds for cancellations, hotel accommodation for stranded passengers, and special assistance for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. A 24×7 control room to monitor airline operations and coordinate corrective measures. A high-level inquiry to examine the causes of the disruption, determine accountability, and recommend preventive measures. While safety-driven, these rules exposed gaps in crew availability, particularly for an airline of IndiGo’s scale. The airline had notified regulators about challenges in roster planning and pilot availability, prompting the government’s intervention. What the Abeyance Means The abeyance is temporary and does not repeal FDTL rules; safety remains a priority. Airlines are expected to take operational measures, including flexible crew rostering, to restore service reliability without compromising pilot rest and safety standards. DGCA will conduct ongoing reviews to ensure compliance and implement corrective actions. Passengers affected between 3–6 December 2025 are eligible for full refunds or rescheduling. The government has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prioritise passenger safety, care, and convenience during the temporary relaxation.

DGCA

DGCA Eases FDTL Rules Temporarily After IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights In Five Days

Aviation Today News Desk / December 6, 2025

New Delhi, India: In a decisive move to tackle widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded an Air India Airbus A320 aircraft and launched a formal investigation after it was found to have operated eight commercial flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The lapse was discovered during a routine night‑halt inspection by an engineer, who noticed the aircraft’s ARC had expired. The certificate is mandatory to ensure the aircraft meets maintenance and safety standards before any flight. DGCA officials confirmed the aircraft had flown eight “revenue sectors” on 24–25 November 2025, despite the absence of a valid ARC. Flying without this certificate is considered a serious compliance violation as it directly pertains to flight safety. Following the discovery, DGCA immediately grounded the aircraft and suspended all personnel responsible for approving its release to service pending the outcome of the investigation. The regulator has also instructed Air India to conduct an internal compliance audit to identify systemic gaps and prevent future lapses. In a statement, Air India acknowledged the incident, calling it “regrettable.” The airline said it self-reported the breach to DGCA, suspended the staff involved, and initiated its own internal investigation. It reaffirmed its commitment to strict safety and regulatory compliance. Operating an aircraft without a valid airworthiness certificate poses significant safety risks and could potentially impact insurance coverage for the aircraft, including hull, liability, and passenger insurance. It has been described as a Level‑1 violation, the most serious type of compliance failure concerning aircraft safety standards. The aircraft was part of the former Vistara fleet, which merged with Air India in late 2024. After the merger, DGCA renewed ARCs for 69 of 70 aircraft. The 70th aircraft, which later operated eight sectors, had undergone an engine change, during which its ARC expired. Despite this, it was mistakenly released into service. DGCA’s inquiry will determine whether penalties, fines, or further actions against responsible personnel are warranted. Air India’s internal investigation will also examine systemic compliance gaps and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.

Investigation

DGCA Grounds Air India A320 After Aircraft Operates Eight Flights Without Valid ARC

Aviation Today News Desk / December 3, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded an Air India Airbus A320 aircraft and launched

aviation industry India

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Pilot Shortage Sparks Hiring War As IndiGo, Air India Offer Bonuses Up To ₹50 Lakh

Navi Mumbai Airport Begins Operations With 48 Flights, Serving Over 4k Passengers Daily

Automation Rises, But Are Indian Pilots Being Trained To Keep Pace With The Future?

ED Enables ₹312 Crore Payout To Former Kingfisher Airlines Employees After 12-Yrs Wait

India Eyes $4 Billion MRO Market By 2031 To Cut Overseas Aircraft Maintenance

DGCA Orders IndiGo To Cut 10% Flights This Winter, Daily Operations May Drop Over 200

DGCA Eases FDTL Rules Temporarily After IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights In Five Days

DGCA Grounds Air India A320 After Aircraft Operates Eight Flights Without Valid ARC

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