IndiGo's On-Time Turbulence: Inside India's Aviation Crisis

India's largest airline, IndiGo, faces chaos after cancelling around 500 flights nationwide, sparking a crisis triggered by new pilot flying-time regulations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) grants temporary exemptions to ease the fallout, as government scrutiny and political criticism mount.

India's air travel scene took a turbulent turn as IndiGo, the nation's largest airline, continued facing operational chaos. On Friday, thousands of passengers were stranded after around 500 flights were scrapped, including all departures from New Delhi, marking the fourth day of such disruptions.

The crisis emerged after IndiGo fell short in planning for new pilot flying-time regulations, which led to massive cancellations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted temporary exemptions to IndiGo, easing night duty norms for pilots, as pressure from opposition parties mounted against the government.

Passenger frustration grew, and the issue reached Parliament, prompting the Civil Aviation Minister to announce measures for restoring normalcy within three days. Meanwhile, IndiGo's stock took a hit, reflecting the airline's struggles during one of its most challenging operational crises.

(With inputs from agencies.)