IndiGo Faces Turbulence: Flight Reductions Imposed by Regulator

IndiGo has been ordered by India's aviation regulator to reduce its flights by 5% following the cancellation of 2,000 flights due to insufficient pilot roster planning. The airline has to revise its schedule while avoiding monopolistic routes. The airline's stock has dropped 17.1% since December.

India's aviation regulator has mandated a 5% reduction in IndiGo's flight schedule after the airline's operational mishaps led to the cancellation of about 2,000 flights last week. This measure comes as a result of poor planning in pilot rosters, which has significantly disrupted travel plans for passengers.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has required IndiGo to submit an updated flight schedule by Wednesday, emphasizing the need to cut flights on routes with competition rather than those where the airline has a monopoly. No specific timeline was given for when these cuts will end.

IndiGo's stock was slightly down following these developments, marking a 17.1% decline since the beginning of December. The airline has faced harsh criticism for failing to adequately prepare for new pilot rest regulations introduced on November 1, leaving many passengers stranded and dissatisfied.

(With inputs from agencies.)