Is IndiGo’s pilot shortage pushing India’s air travel into crisis?

IndiGo’s latest wave of flight cancellations has pushed India’s air travel system into a period of intense pressure, as a growing pilot shortage collides with stricter fatigue rules and winter operational challenges.

Airports across the country have been dealing with heavy crowding, long queues, and rising frustration for three consecutive days. With more cancellations expected over the next 48 hours, the disruption shows no sign of easing.

As per a Reuters report, at least 175 flights were cancelled early on Thursday, following a day of widespread disruption on Wednesday when at least 150 flights were cancelled across major cities.

IndiGo, which controls more than 60% of India’s domestic market, has been making repeated schedule adjustments as it attempts to stabilise its crew planning.

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport faced the heaviest impact on Thursday with 73 cancellations. Delhi saw around 30 cancellations, while Hyderabad reported 68.

These numbers add to earlier disruptions when 62 flights were cancelled in Bengaluru for a second straight day, along with 37 in Delhi and 31 in Hyderabad.

Pilot fatigue rules reshape schedules

Local publication, The Hindu reports that the current wave of cancellations is tied to the final stage of India’s updated pilot fatigue rules, which have now taken full effect.

While several provisions were rolled out during the summer, the more disruptive elements were always expected later in the year.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation raised weekly rest requirements for pilots from 36 to 48 hours from July 1 as part of the first phase. Airlines had pushed for a staggered rollout to prevent sudden operational strain.

The second phase, which restricts night-time flying and limits how pilots can be rostered during night hours, was scheduled to begin on November 1. This November phase is what has triggered the current disruption.

Airlines had previously warned that a sudden shift would cause major operational strain. IndiGo’s rostering teams have struggled to adapt in time, with pilots reporting that scheduling adjustments were not made early enough.

This has left the airline with fewer available crew members than required, especially for night operations.

Brewing unrest among pilots

The airline has described the situation as a combination of multiple challenges, including minor technology issues, winter schedule changes, adverse weather, aviation system congestion, and the implementation of new rostering rules. This combination has intensified the shortage in ways the company did not expect.

The updated rules themselves have been contentious within the aviation sector.

For now, IndiGo said on Wednesday, more adjustments are coming over the next 48 hours, suggesting further cancellations as it tries to restore stability.

With pilot cooperation low and fatigue rules now fully in force, India’s air travel system is likely to feel the impact for several more days.

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