New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has withdrawn its instructions prohibiting substitution of leave for weekly rest for airline crew amid countrywide airline operational disruptions—with over 500 IndiGo flights delayed or cancelled Friday—that have left travellers at their wits’ end.
“…In view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations…the instruction contained in the referenced paragraph that no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect…”
The aviation regulator’s decision comes at a time when IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has mass cancelled flights for the fourth consecutive day, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
Visuals of chaotic scenes and angry passengers have emerged from airports over the past few days, with some saying they have waited hours for information on their flights.
According to a Delhi airport advisory, all IndiGo flights departing from there Friday have been cancelled till midnight.
The airline put out an apology message on X Friday.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 5, 2025
On Thursday, the airline wrote: “The last two days have seen widespread disruption across IndiGo’s network and operations. We extend a heartfelt apology to all our customers and industry stakeholders who have been impacted by these events. IndiGo teams are working diligently and making all efforts with the support of MOCA, DGCA, BCAS, AAI and airport operators to reduce the cascading impact of these delays and restore normalcy.”
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) had written to the DGCA earlier, objecting strongly to what it called selective and unsafe dispensations granted to IndiGo under the revised Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) CAR Phase II implementation.
“It is with profound concern and deep disappointment that we write to you regarding the recent selective dispensations granted to IndiGo Airlines in respect of the implementation of the revised FDTL CAR (Phase II). This decision, taken despite repeated representations, formal letters, and direct discussions with your esteemed office, has undermined the very spirit of the FDTL regulations and gravely compromised the safety of the flying public,” the letter read.