Source TOI
NEW DELHI: India’s leading carrier, IndiGo, has officially transitioned to the new safety-enhancing pilot duty norms starting Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The move comes after a temporary exemption granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) expired on Tuesday.
The DGCA had originally granted the airline a one-time dispensation in December 2025. This was intended to help IndiGo stabilize its operations after a period of massive flight disruptions and cancellations that affected hundreds of thousands of travelers during the peak winter season. The exemption allowed the airline more flexibility with the scheduling of its Airbus A320 family pilots to recover its collapsed flight schedule.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the DGCA confirmed that the airline is now in full compliance with the updated regulations. “IndiGo has informed DGCA that it shall be fully prepared to comply with the statutory provisions and to implement the approved FDTL Scheme upon expiry of the exemptions,” the regulator stated.
During the exemption period, which lasted from December 5, 2025, to February 10, 2026, the DGCA maintained strict oversight of IndiGo’s operations. This included:
Real-time Monitoring: Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) were stationed at IndiGo’s Operations Control Centre.
Data Submission: The airline was required to submit hourly flight data and fortnightly performance reports.
Ground Support: DGCA officers were deployed at various airports to oversee passenger handling and mitigate inconvenience.
The new FDTL norms are designed to improve aviation safety by addressing pilot fatigue, providing better rest periods, and tightening duty hour restrictions.
IndiGo has assured the regulator that all necessary operational and rostering arrangements are now in place to ensure seamless adherence to these safety standards without disrupting passenger travel.
