IndiGo Flight Disruptions Revive Debate on Pilot Fatigue Norms

IndiGo’s mass flight cancellations have revived concerns over pilot fatigue regulations months after the Delhi High Court closed long-pending litigation on the issue.

The Court had disposed of petitions after the government confirmed the phased implementation of CAR 2024 and required airlines to submit their Flight Duty Time Limitation schemes to the DGCA.

However, stricter limits on night duty, reduced flight duty periods, and longer weekly rest under CAR 2024 created significant rostering and manpower challenges.

Delays led to cascading cancellations, prompting the DGCA to suspend the rules on December 5 to stabilise operations.