IndiGo Fined Record Rs 22.2 Crore by DGCA for Flight Disruptions
Indian aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a hefty fine of Rs 22.2 crore on IndiGo, marking the highest penalty ever levied on an Indian airline. The fine comes in response to the significant disruptions in flights experienced by the carrier last month.
Additionally, DGCA has directed IndiGo to provide a bank guarantee of Rs 50 crore to ensure the implementation of long-term corrective measures.
During the period of December 3 to 5, a total of 2,507 flights were cancelled, and 1,852 flights were delayed, affecting over 3 lakh passengers across various airports in India, as stated by DGCA.
The regulator attributed the disruptions to over-optimization of operations, inadequate regulatory readiness, deficiencies in system software support, and shortcomings in the management structure and operational control at IndiGo.
IndiGo, in response, acknowledged the orders from DGCA and expressed its commitment to address the issues raised in a timely manner. The airline highlighted an ongoing review of internal processes to enhance resilience and emerge stronger from the recent events.
The disruptions in December were primarily due to the airline’s unpreparedness to implement new flight duty regulations for pilots. IndiGo was granted an extension until February 10 to comply with the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms.
For the non-compliance with the FDTL norms during the specified period, DGCA has imposed a total penalty of Rs 20.40 crore on IndiGo, translating to a daily fine of Rs 30 lakh.
In addition to individual penalties, a one-time financial penalty has been imposed on IndiGo for various compliance failures under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
Key figures at IndiGo, including the Chief Operating Officer, have been held accountable for the lapses, and the airline has been instructed to provide a bank guarantee of Rs 50 crore to ensure adherence to directives and long-term reforms.
The reform framework, titled the IndiGo Systemic Reform Assurance Scheme (ISRAS), outlines phased releases of the bank guarantee tied to DGCA-verified implementation of reforms in leadership, governance, manpower planning, rostering, fatigue-risk management, digital systems, and operational resilience.
The enforcement actions follow a detailed investigation by a DGCA committee, resulting in warnings issued to top IndiGo officials for operational oversights and failures in crisis management.
Following the disruptions, DGCA reduced IndiGo’s winter schedule flights by 10%, with recommendations forwarded to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for further action.
IndiGo is now tasked with implementing the prescribed reforms and ensuring compliance to avoid further penalties and strengthen its operational framework.
