Daybreak The stress test that IndiGo failed
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Dec 4, 2025 IndiGo faced a chaotic week as hundreds of flights were cancelled, stranding thousands of passengers. The introduction of new pilot rest rules revealed cracks in the airline's tight operational model. Stricter regulations led to a critical shortage of available pilots, exacerbated by seasonal demand and weather issues. With over 1,200 cancellations, the repercussions extended beyond inconvenienced travelers, impacting the airline’s reputation and stock price. The discussion raises crucial concerns about the sustainability of rapid growth in India's aviation sector.
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Midnight Chaos Across Major Airports
- Thousands of passengers were stranded across major Indian airports when IndiGo cancelled many flights overnight.
- The airline's on-time performance collapsed to just 35% on one day, a rare and public failure of its punctuality brand.
Core Model Collided With New Rules
- IndiGo's model relies on one aircraft type, tight schedules, and lean staffing to keep costs low and utilization high.
- The DGCA's stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations directly conflicted with those tight turnarounds and lean crew planning.
Stricter Pilot Rest Rules Explained
- The DGCA raised weekly continuous rest from 36 to 48 hours and cut permitted night landings, expanding defined night hours.
- These changes were safety-focused but reduced how many graveyard sectors each pilot could legally fly.