IndiGo’s operational meltdown — triggered after the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms took effect on November 1 — has exposed a stark mismatch between what the airline told investors and what unfolded on the ground. Despite repeatedly assuring analysts that the impact of the revised crew-rest rules would be minimal and that it was fully prepared for the peak winter season, IndiGo has suffered the highest flight cancellations in the country, forcing a DGCA inquiry and prompting the Civil Aviation Minister to warn that action against the airline is now inevitable.

The FDTL framework was issued nearly two years ago, and its phased implementation schedule was known well in advance. Investors had repeatedly asked IndiGo what impact the rules would have on operations and costs. The a

See Full Page