IndiGo steps up pilot hiring to sustain domestic ops post FDTL reimplementation
The airline, as per sources, has informed the regulator of its intent to continue building adequate buffers
Airline major IndiGo is seeking to onboard around 50 pilots per month even as it plans to maintain its current daily schedule of about 1,900 domestic flights following the reimplementation of flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms, sources told businessline.
The move, according to sources, comes even as IndiGo suffered a material impact of over ₹1,800-2,000 crore.
During the early-December disruption, 2,507 flights were cancelled and 1,852 delayed, affecting over three lakh passengers.
Under the monitoring programme, IndiGo’s representatives met the regulator on Monday.
Sources said the airline is attempting to hire around 50 first officers per month, while “operational parameters remain stable with buffers in place. Additional headcount might increase from 80-100 new pilots.”
IndiGo reported adequate pilot availability against projected requirements.
Adequate buffers
The airline, as per sources, has informed the regulator of its intent to continue building adequate buffers.
At present, the Centre has directed IndiGo to reduce its flight schedule by 10 per cent across sectors to stabilise operations and curb cancellations.
Besides this, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked the airline to avoid high-demand, high-frequency routes and single-flight sectors, leading IndiGo to lower its capacity and revenue guidance for the third quarter of the financial year 2026.
“Operations are currently limited to between 1,860 and 1,900 domestic flights per day. This schedule is likely to be maintained after February 10, although a final decision on their schedule is expected to be taken as early as next week,” sources said.
Last month, the DGCA granted IndiGo a temporary exemption from the revised FDTL norms after severe rostering disruptions following the rollout of the new rules, which came into effect on November 1.
The updated norms prescribe duty hours, mandatory rest periods and flight-time limits, with airlines required to fully comply with Phase II from February 20, 2026.
Additional pilots
Furthermore, to stabilise operations, IndiGo has wet-leased aircraft, hired additional pilots, and has been advised to revise pilots’ key performance indicators and limit deadheading.
Notably, the DGCA continues its enhanced oversight despite imposing penalties, although monitoring intensity is expected to ease gradually from daily to weekly after February 10, and later to a bi-monthly basis.
An eight-member oversight team was constituted in December 2025 following large-scale cancellations and delays.
Following an inquiry, the regulator-imposed penalties of ₹22.20 crore, including a one-time systemic fine of ₹1.80 crore and ₹20.40 crore for continued non-compliance with FDTL norms.
IndiGo was also directed to pledge a ₹50 crore bank guarantee.
On its part, the regulator said that at the latest review meeting the airline reported 2,400 Airbus pilots-in-command against a requirement of 2,280, and 2,240 Airbus first officers against a requirement of 2,050.
In addition, the regulator said IndiGo has assured operational stability and no flight cancellations after February 10, 2026, following the withdrawal of temporary FDTL exemptions.
Recovery buffers
According to the regulator, IndiGo’s planning processes had failed to maintain adequate roster and recovery buffers, with crew rosters operating close to permissible duty limits.
“There was an overriding focus on maximising utilisation of crew, aircraft, and network resources, which led to reduced roster buffer margins,” the regulator, in an official statement on Tuesday said.
Additionally, DGCA cited that the sustained regulatory oversight and corrective measures undertaken by IndiGo have resulted in stabilisation of operations and improvement in service reliability
“The DGCA continues to closely monitor the airline’s operations, with particular emphasis on roster integrity, crew availability, buffer adequacy, system robustness, and adherence to FDTL requirements,” the regulator said.
Published on January 20, 2026
