IndiGo has cancelled over 500 flights over the past four days, causing disruption at airports across India. With all of its flights from Delhi cancelled today (December 5), thousands of passengers have been left stranded as the peak travel season approaches.
“We do deeply apologise and understand how difficult the past few days have been for many of you,” IndiGo said in a statement to its customers.
“While this will not get resolved overnight, we assure you that we will do everything in our capacity to help you in the meantime and to bring our operations back to normal at the earliest.”
Last month, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) imposed new rest requirements for airline staff, including new rules on the number of off-days per week and limits on consecutive working days.
This means pilots cannot be rostered as frequently as before, potentially causing cancellations when crew numbers are tight.
The rules have left IndiGo grappling with a staff shortage in its efforts to comply. Local media has reported that IndiGo initially reduced its scheduled flights to strike a balance with the new rules.
However, amid the chaos, the DGCA has today withdrawn the weekly rest order with immediate effect.
“In view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations, it has been considered necessary to review the [weekly rest order],” the DGCA said.
IndiGo has been contacted by Airline Economics for a further statement on the matter.