India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a penalty of ₹22.20 crore on IndiGo Airlines for widespread flight disruptions that occurred in December, severely impacting passengers across the country. In addition to the monetary fine, the regulator has directed the airline to furnish a ₹50 crore bank guarantee to ensure strict compliance with regulatory directives and long-term systemic improvements.
The action follows a series of large-scale flight cancellations by IndiGo earlier last month, which left thousands of passengers stranded during a peak travel period. The disruptions were linked to the airline’s inadequate preparedness in implementing revised flight duty time limitation norms for pilots, which came into effect to enhance safety and reduce crew fatigue.
DGCA officials observed that the airline failed to align its operational planning with the new pilot duty regulations, leading to cascading cancellations and delays across multiple airports. The regulator noted that the situation exposed serious shortcomings in crew rostering, scheduling systems, and overall operational readiness.
Beyond the financial penalty, the aviation watchdog has taken the rare step of issuing stern warnings to IndiGo’s Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers and two other senior executives. The regulator emphasized that accountability at the top level is essential to ensure compliance with safety-related norms and to prevent passenger inconvenience on such a scale.
Following the disruptions, DGCA had constituted a four-member inquiry committee headed by Joint Director General Sanjay K. Brahmane to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the circumstances that led to the operational breakdown. The committee examined crew availability, internal planning mechanisms, and the airline’s transition strategy for the new duty norms. Its report was submitted to the regulator on December 27, forming the basis for the enforcement action.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu had earlier signaled a tough stance on the issue, stating in the Rajya Sabha on December 8 that the government would take very strict action. He had underlined that the response was necessary not only to address the immediate situation but also to set an example for the broader aviation industry.
As of now, IndiGo has not issued a detailed public response to the DGCA’s order. Aviation experts believe the regulator’s move sends a strong message to airlines operating in India, highlighting that rapid expansion and high market share cannot come at the cost of regulatory compliance or passenger welfare.
The action is being viewed as one of the strongest regulatory interventions in recent years, reinforcing the DGCA’s commitment to operational discipline, safety compliance, and consumer protection in India’s fast-growing aviation sector.