IndiGo's Staffing Crisis: Pilots Slam Airline for 'Short-Sighted Planning' Amid Flight Chaos
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The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), expressing concerns over IndiGo's handling of the new flight duty and rest period norms for cockpit crew. The pilots' body alleges that the airline has adopted a hiring freeze despite having a two-year preparatory window to prepare for the changes. In a letter to the safety regulator, the FIP urged the DGCA to consider re-evaluating and reallocating slots to other airlines if IndiGo continues to struggle with crew shortages. The chaos among flyers has worsened with the onset of the busy winter fog season, with IndiGo cancelling scores of flights across multiple airports. The FIP has pointed out that IndiGo expanded its winter schedule without recruiting or training additional pilots, raising serious questions about operational responsibility. The pilots' body also stated that the recent spate of IndiGo flight cancellations cannot be attributed to the Delhi High Court-mandated roster regulations for pilots. According to the ministry of civil aviation website, only 19.7 per cent of Indigo flights arrived and departed on time at six major airports. The FIP has urged the DGCA to approve seasonal flight schedules only after airlines prove they have adequate pilot strength under the new FDTL norms to operate safely and reliably. The latest FDTL norms, which include increased weekly rest periods to 48 hours and limiting the number of night landings to two, were initially opposed by domestic airlines, including IndiGo and Air India. However, they were subsequently rolled out by the DGCA following the Delhi High Court's directives. The FIP has advocated for the DGCA to take a closer look at IndiGo's staffing strategy and ensure that airlines are adequately prepared to operate safely and reliably under the new norms. The pilots' body has also called for the DGCA to approve seasonal flight schedules only after airlines demonstrate they have sufficient pilot strength to meet the new requirements.
