The disruptions to IndiGo's flight operations in December are now becoming increasingly difficult for the company. The country's aviation watchdog, the DGCA, has deemed these incidents serious and has taken strict action against the airline.
Flight cancellations and delays cost IndiGo heavily due to DGCA action; learn the details.
IndiGo DGCA Action: The disruptions to IndiGo's flight operations in December are now becoming increasingly difficult for the company. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country's aviation watchdog, considered these incidents serious and took strict action against the airline on January 16th.
The impact of this action isn't limited to the regulations, but it's also going to hit IndiGo hard. Including fines, passenger compensation, and ticket refunds, the company's total costs could exceed ₹1,180 crore.
DGCA action, fine on IndiGo, and strict instructions
Aviation regulator DGCA has taken a tough stand against IndiGo, imposing a fine of ₹22.20 crore for repeated violations of Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules and system-level deficiencies. This includes a one-time penalty of ₹1.80 crore and an additional penalty of ₹20.40 crore for non-compliance for 68 days.
In addition to the fine, the DGCA has also directed IndiGo to deposit a bank guarantee of ₹50 crore. This guarantee will be held under the IndiGo Systematic Reform Assurance Scheme (ISRAS).
The guarantee amount will be held until the regulator confirms that the airline has fully implemented the necessary reforms related to monitoring systems, manpower planning, rostering systems, and digital operations. The regulator will release the guarantee amount in stages as improvements are observed.
Compensation and refunds increase pressure.
According to the company, it has decided to compensate passengers who suffered significant inconvenience due to the massive flight disruptions in December. More than ₹500 crore will be distributed as compensation. This includes those whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of departure and those stranded at airports.
Additionally, IndiGo has decided to offer a ₹10,000 “Gesture of Care” voucher to passengers whose flights are cancelled or delayed by more than three hours between December 3 and 5, 2025. Passengers can use this voucher for one year.
