Why are IndiGo flights getting cancelled across India? Crisis explained as it all boils down to shortage of pilots

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is facing a major operational meltdown, with over 1,000 flights cancelled in four days across the country.

The chaos stems primarily from the enforcement of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, which require longer pilot rest periods and stricter night-flying limits.

While IndiGo has about 5,500 pilots on its roster currently, the new regulations — including limits on daily and weekly flying hours, mandatory rest periods and restrictions on night landings — significantly increases the demand for more pilots. Sources say the airline will need over 1,100 more, including over 200 first officers, to operate its dense, high-frequency network.

As a result, many flights could not be staffed, leading to widespread delays and cancellations, even though t