Widespread flight cancellations across India, reportedly caused by pilot shortages under the new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) norms, have raised questions over airline management, regulatory oversight by the DGCA and market fairness.

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) points to a combination of factors behind the shortage:

Lag in planning: Despite the DGCA issuing revised FDTL norms in January 2024, with phased implementation from November 1, many airlines, including IndiGo, prepared their crew schedules late. This failure to adjust rosters at least 15 days in advance indicates poor strategic planning rather than a genuine shortage of pilots.

Potential pressure tactics: Experts suggest some airlines may be using cancellations and delays as a tactic to pressure regula

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