Ministry of Civil Aviation Archives

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 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: 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.

Airlines

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

Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Airways is losing millions of dollars every year because of bird strikes, which are happening more often and causing serious aircraft damage. The government is now taking new steps to reduce the problem around airports. Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka told Parliament that the airline reported 41 bird strike cases in 2024, compared with 33 in 2023 and 24 in 2022. Four Boeing 737 aircraft were grounded last year after bird strikes, costing the airline about US $19.2 million, while another engine incident this year caused an extra US $4.8 million loss. A major incident took place on October 9, 2025, when Fiji Airways flight FJ450 from Christchurch to Nadi hit a flock of pigeons during take-off. The impact damaged the aircraft’s nose, wings, and both engines. The pilots safely returned to Christchurch Airport. Industry data shows that bird strikes have already cost Fiji Airways more than US $8.4 million in 2024 alone. These costs include repairs, grounded aircraft, and flight delays. Fiji Airports has started a Wildlife Hazard Management Program to stop birds from gathering near runways. This includes mapping bird habitats within five kilometres of airports, using bird deterrent systems, and training airport staff to handle wildlife safely. A new National Wildlife Hazard Management Committee has also been set up to bring together airport operators, environment officials, and local governments. The committee will coordinate actions to reduce bird strike risks across the country. Minister Gavoka said poor waste management, open drains, and fruit trees near airports attract birds. He urged local councils to improve waste control and restrict land use that encourages bird activity. “Safety is our top priority,” Gavoka told Parliament. “We must protect our people and our aircraft from unnecessary danger.” Experts say Fiji’s geography makes bird strikes harder to prevent, as many airports are close to the coast and farmland. Open garbage areas and food waste around Nadi and Nausori airports also draw more birds. Bird strikes usually happen during take-off or landing, when planes are flying low. Even small birds can cause major damage if they hit engines or wings. Authorities are now looking at advanced tools such as bird-detection radar, sound-based deterrents, and public education programs to reduce the risk. Communities living near airports will be asked to help by keeping waste areas clean and avoiding bird feeding near flight paths. Despite the losses, Fiji Airways says safety standards remain high and no passengers or crew have been injured in recent incidents. However, officials agree the issue needs urgent attention to protect both passengers and aircraft.

Airlines

Fiji Airways Hit By Surge In Bird Strikes, $19M In Damages And Aircraft Grounded

Aviation Today News Desk / November 10, 2025

Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Airways is losing millions of dollars every year because of bird strikes, which are happening more often

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is set to convene a comprehensive review meeting with India’s flying training organisations (FTOs) after the DGCA had announced on July 9 the launch of a bi-annual ranking system for flying training organisations nationwide, effective by 1 October 2025 and then the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released its first-ever ranking report, revealing that none of the country’s training academies met the top performance standards. According to the DGCA’s assessment, covering the period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, none of the 35 evaluated flying schools achieved an “A+” or “A” grade. The rankings placed 13 FTOs in the ‘B’ category and 22 in ‘C’, indicating widespread gaps in operational efficiency, safety practices, and training quality. The grading framework classified institutions based on their overall performance: A+ (85% and above) A (70–84.99%) B (50–69.99%) C (below 50%) A senior ministry official said the upcoming review will focus on identifying systemic shortcomings and developing corrective measures. “The objective is to improve training quality and ensure that India’s flying schools meet international standards in safety, efficiency, and student outcomes,” the official stated. FTOs placed in the “C” category have been directed to undertake self-assessment exercises and submit improvement plans to the DGCA within a stipulated timeframe. The aviation regulator is expected to monitor compliance closely and provide targeted support to address performance deficiencies. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has emphasised that the ranking initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability within the pilot training ecosystem. The DGCA will now publish rankings every six months, with the next report scheduled for April 1, 2026. The government’s move comes at a time when India is witnessing a growing demand for pilots to support the expanding civil aviation sector. Strengthening training infrastructure and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards are seen as key priorities to meet this demand sustainably.

Pilot Training

MoCA Calls Review Meet After DGCA Report Finds No A+ Or A Rated Flying School In India

Aviation Today News Desk / October 27, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is set to convene a comprehensive review meeting with India’s flying

New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Thursday launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, making India the second country globally, after China, to implement this digital licensing system | Aviation Today

DGCA, Electronic Personnel License (EPL), MoCA

India Launches E-License for Pilots, Making India World’s Second Country to Go Paperless

Aviation Today News Desk / February 20, 2025

Picture credits: X New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Thursday launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for

New Delhi: A total of 268 instances of aircraft malfunctions were reported by private airlines in the 13 months leading up to January 2025, according to official data presented in the Lok Sabha by the civil aviation ministry on Thursday. The data, shared as part of a written reply, highlighted that in 2023 alone, 384 such incidents were recorded | Aviation Today

Airlines, MoCA

MoCA Data: Airlines Report 268 Aircraft Malfunctions in 13 Months, IndiGo Tops List

Aviation Today News Desk / February 15, 2025

Picture credits: To the respective owners New Delhi: A total of 268 instances of aircraft malfunctions were reported by private

India: Akasa Air has raised significant concerns regarding the allocation of bilateral flying rights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The airline argues that the current distribution of these rights creates an unequal playing field, depriving it of a fair opportunity to compete with established players such as Air India and IndiGo | Aviation Today

Indian Airlines

Akasa Air Raises Concerns Over UAE Traffic Rights in a Letter to Government

Aviation Today News Desk / January 31, 2025

Picture credits: Akasa Air India: Akasa Air has raised significant concerns regarding the allocation of bilateral flying rights to the

Prayagraj: Civil Aviation Minister Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu, along with Secretary Sh. V. Vualnam, DGCA DG Sh. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, and senior officials, met with airline representatives today to review air connectivity to Prayagraj for the once-in-144-years Maha Kumbh Mahotsav. The meeting emphasized ensuring sufficient flights while maintaining reasonable fares for millions of devotees traveling to the world’s largest religious gathering from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Under the Minister's guidance, regular coordination meetings have been held to facilitate seamless travel | Aviation Today

DGCA, MoCA

Flight Fares to Prayagraj Surge to ₹70,000 amid Maha Kumbh Mela: DGCA Intervenes

Aviation Today News Desk / January 29, 2025

Picture credits: Ministry of Civil Aviation Prayagraj: Civil Aviation Minister Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu, along with Secretary Sh. V. Vualnam,

New Delhi: After being approved by the Lok Sabha earlier in August, Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu presented the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 to the Rajya Sabha on December 3, 2024 | Aviation Today

MoCA

Aviation Minister Presents Bill to replace 90-year-old Aircraft Act in Rajya Sabha

Aviation Today News Desk / December 4, 2024

Picture from X New Delhi: After being approved by the Lok Sabha earlier in August, Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu urged more women to enter the aviation industry, particularly as helicopter pilots, emphasizing their importance in linking rural places where establishing airports is challenging. At the "Aviation Conclave 2024 - Empowering Women to Soar," sponsored by The Ninety-Nines India Section, Naidu conveyed the importance of helicopters in India's increasing aviation network | Aviation Today

MoCA

India’s Civil Aviation Minister Urges More Women to Become Helicopter Pilots

Aviation Today News Desk / December 3, 2024

Picture from X New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu urged more women to enter the aviation industry, particularly

Ministry of Civil Aviation

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

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

Fiji Airways Hit By Surge In Bird Strikes, $19M In Damages And Aircraft Grounded

MoCA Calls Review Meet After DGCA Report Finds No A+ Or A Rated Flying School In India

India Launches E-License for Pilots, Making India World’s Second Country to Go Paperless

MoCA Data: Airlines Report 268 Aircraft Malfunctions in 13 Months, IndiGo Tops List

Akasa Air Raises Concerns Over UAE Traffic Rights in a Letter to Government

Flight Fares to Prayagraj Surge to ₹70,000 amid Maha Kumbh Mela: DGCA Intervenes

Aviation Minister Presents Bill to replace 90-year-old Aircraft Act in Rajya Sabha

India’s Civil Aviation Minister Urges More Women to Become Helicopter Pilots

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