MUMBAI: IndiGo has committed to fully implement the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms from February 11, 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said on Wednesday, marking the end of a temporary relaxation granted to the airline during a period of operational stress.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had granted the carrier a one-time exemption from certain provisions of the revised FDTL framework until February 10, 2026, following widespread flight disruptions in November and early December last year. The temporary relief was aimed at stabilising operations after delays and cancellations across multiple stations drew regulatory scrutiny and passenger complaints.The civil aviation ministry detailed the conditions attached to a temporary exemption granted to IndiGo Airlines from certain Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, even as regulators stepped up oversight following widespread flight disruptions.In a statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said: “Whereas, in view of the massive flight disruptions faced by IndiGo Airlines during the initial days of December 2025, IndiGo Airlines was granted a one-time temporary exemption from the provisions of Para 3.11 and Para 6.1.4 of CAR Section 7, Series J, Part III (FDTL) Rev 2, vide approval dated 05 December 2025 for a limited period only valid up to 10 February 2026 with a view to stabilising flight operations and safeguarding passenger safety and interest.”The ministry added: “The said two exemptions were granted subject to specified conditions, inter alia, submission of hourly flight operations data to DGCA and weekly/fortnightly reports on operational performance.”It further stated: “During the validity of the exemptions, IndiGo Airlines flight operations were monitored closely through periodic review meetings with DGCA. Further, DGCA officers were deployed at various airports to oversee passenger handling and address passenger inconvenience. In addition, Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) were positioned at IndiGo Airlines Operations Control Centre for real-time monitoring of flight operations, ensuring continuous regulatory oversight during the exemption period.”According to MoCA, the airline has now committed to reverting fully to the revised norms. “IndiGo Airlines has informed DGCA that it shall be fully prepared to comply with the statutory provisions and to implement the approved Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) Scheme dated 09.10.2025 upon expiry of exemptions.”It added: “IndiGo Airlines has further stated that all necessary operational, rostering, and monitoring arrangements are being put in place to ensure full compliance with the approved FDTL scheme with effect from 11 February 2026.”The statement comes against the backdrop of severe operational disruptions at the carrier in early December, when flight delays and cancellations snowballed across multiple stations, prompting regulatory scrutiny and passenger complaints. As reported earlier, the disruptions had led to intensified monitoring by the DGCA, deployment of officials at key airports, and a review of crew rostering and operational resilience measures.The temporary relief from specific FDTL provisions was positioned as a stabilisation measure during a period of acute disruption. With the exemption valid only until 10 February 2026, the ministry’s latest statement underscores that the relaxation was time-bound and conditional, and that full compliance with the revised FDTL framework is expected from 11 February.
