DGCA may direct IndiGo to scale back operations as Air India and other airlines prepare to step up
India’s aviation regulator is likely to ask IndiGo to scale back operations after days of major disruptions, while Air India and other airlines may be instructed to add flights and increase capacity. The move aims to stabilise air travel as thousands of passengers continue facing delays and cancellations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is considering a directive that could require IndiGo to reduce its flight operations temporarily. The proposal comes after widespread disruptions caused by severe staff shortages and operational lapses that left passengers stranded across airports in multiple cities.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has faced intense scrutiny after failing to manage frontline staffing during peak travel days. Long queues, flight cancellations and delays have resulted in significant inconvenience for travellers. The airline is already facing a showcause notice demanding an explanation for the operational collapse and a plan to prevent further disruptions.
To stabilise the situation, the DGCA is reportedly evaluating a redistribution of capacity across the sector. Air India, Vistara, Akasa and other carriers may be asked to increase flights on key routes so that passenger load can be balanced more efficiently. Officials believe that spreading demand across multiple airlines will help reduce pressure on IndiGo while ensuring continuity of essential routes.
A senior official indicated that the aim is to protect passengers from repeated breakdowns and to ensure airlines operate within their manageable limits. If IndiGo cannot demonstrate adequate manpower and operational readiness, a temporary scale back may be enforced until the airline restores stability.
Industry experts say this situation highlights larger concerns in the aviation ecosystem, including workforce planning, rising travel demand and infrastructure stress. Airlines are expected to submit detailed readiness reports outlining staffing, scheduling and contingency measures.
The regulator is closely monitoring the improvements made in the past 48 hours as cancellations have begun to decline. A formal decision on operational adjustments is likely soon, depending on IndiGo’s response and the overall recovery of air services.
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