Indian budget carrier IndiGo has issued a formal apology following three consecutive days of severe operational disruptions that resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and delays across its network. The airline acknowledged that the crisis stemmed primarily from “misjudgment and planning gaps” during implementation of the second phase of pilot duty regulations.
In an official statement released on social media platform X, the airline expressed remorse to affected passengers and industry stakeholders, stating: “The last two days have witnessed extensive network-wide disruptions to IndiGo’s operations. We extend our sincere apologies to all customers and partners impacted by these events.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that IndiGo has committed to fully restoring normal operations by February 10th. The airline has simultaneously requested regulatory relief from certain pilot duty limitations as it addresses its aviator shortage crisis.
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry has expressed serious concern regarding the handling of the situation, with ministers reportedly displeased with the airline’s crisis management approach. Thousands of passengers remained stranded on Thursday as the carrier struggled to adapt its roster planning to accommodate new government-mandated pilot duty rules.
IndiGo has mobilized its operational teams in collaboration with multiple aviation authorities including the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), DGCA, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Airports Authority of India (AAI) to mitigate the cascading effects of delays and restore operational normalcy.