India’s aviation regulator has imposed a penalty of Rs 22.20 crore on IndiGo after an enquiry found that overworked crew rosters, poor operational planning, and inadequate implementation of revised duty time norms caused widespread flight delays and cancellations. The probe concluded that the airline’s management focused on maximising utilisation of crew, aircraft, and network resources, leaving little room for disruptions. Crew rosters relied heavily on extended duty hours, tail swaps, and dead-heading, reducing operational buffers and recovery options. The enquiry also flagged deficiencies in regulatory preparedness, system software, and operational control, particularly during the Winter Schedule 2025 and revised Flight Duty Time Limitation norms. IndiGo’s CEO, COO, and senior operations staff were cautioned, with one senior executive relieved of operational responsibilities. The Rs 22.20 crore penalty includes one-time and daily non-compliance fines, and the airline has been directed to provide a Rs 50 crore bank guarantee under the IndiGo Systemic Reform Assurance Scheme to ensure long-term reforms and prevent future disruptions.
IndiGo fined Rs 22.20 crore for massive flight disruptions in December 2025
