IndiGo Airline Disruptions and DGCA's Role

The widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo airline have underscored the crucial role of India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), amidst operational challenges due to pilot shortages and new flight duty norms.

DGCA’s Role in Indian Aviation

• Regulation and Safety: DGCA regulates air transport services and ensures safety in India's civil aviation sector.
• Compliance and Monitoring: Oversees compliance with aviation rules, monitors airworthiness, and enforces safety standards.
• Global Coordination: Works closely with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to align Indian aviation with global norms.
• Certifications and Approvals: Registers aircraft, certifies pilots and other aviation professionals, and grants Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).
• Accident Investigations: Investigates aviation accidents and incidents, and coordinates civil-military airspace use.
• Environmental Monitoring: Monitors aircraft noise and emissions per ICAO Annex 16.

A Growing Private Aviation Market

Indian aviation has transitioned from a state-controlled model to a private-dominated industry since the 1990s. The open-sky policy of 1990 ended the monopoly of state airlines, allowing private players like IndiGo to expand their market share, thereby making DGCA’s regulatory oversight increasingly significant.

IndiGo’s Mass Cancellations and DGCA Intervention

• Cause of Disruptions: IndiGo faced flight cancellations mainly due to a shortage of trained captains following new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations.
• Operational Challenges: IndiGo's planning lapses led to stretched rosters and frequent reassignment of pilots.
• DGCA’s Response: The regulator allowed temporary relaxations, such as using contract-based inspectors and easing night-time landing restrictions.

Pilot Bodies Object to DGCA Relaxations

• ALPA’s Concerns: The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) objected to DGCA's relaxations, stating they undermine safety principles intended to reduce fatigue-related risks.
• Criticism of IndiGo: ALPA criticized IndiGo for poor preparation despite awareness of the new FDTL norms.