IndiGo to Extend 10% Flight Cuts Until March-End Amid Profit Plunge

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, will continue operating with a 10% reduction in flights—equating to approximately 200 fewer daily services—until the end of the current winter schedule in late March 2026.

The decision stems from regulatory restrictions imposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following widespread operational disruptions in December 2025.The cuts, which began after a major schedule collapse, are tied to the airline’s efforts to comply with revised pilot duty and rest norms (Flight Duty Time Limitation rules) that took effect on November 1, 2025.

IndiGo had initially sought and received a temporary exemption from these norms, but with that exemption set to expire on February 10, 2026, the airline has aligned aircraft deliveries and schedules accordingly.

Chief Financial Officer Gaurav Negi noted that capacity additions would moderate to around 10% growth, down from the previously planned 19%.CEO Pieter Elbers, during recent analyst interactions, did not provide details on adjustments to the pilot recruitment strategy or the exact pilot shortfall to meet the new duty requirements.

The disruptions in late 2025 were severe: Flight cancellations exceeded 5,000 in November and December, with over 9.5 lakh passengers affected between November 21 and December 7 alone.

This led to refunds totaling ₹827 crore. The DGCA’s inquiry attributed the chaos to the airline overstretching its pilots and aircraft resources, resulting in a record penalty of ₹22.2 crore on IndiGo for non-compliance with the new norms and related mismanagement.

These events significantly impacted the airline’s financial performance. In the year-ago period, IndiGo had posted a profit of ₹2,448 crore.

Recent quarterly results showed a sharp decline, driven in part by one-time charges including ₹969 crore from implementing new labour laws and ₹1,035 crore from adverse currency movements on dollar-denominated obligations.The DGCA has also mandated additional measures, such as a ₹50 crore bank guarantee from IndiGo to ensure long-term compliance and systemic improvements.

The regulator continues to monitor the airline closely as it works toward operational stability, with assurances from IndiGo that cancellations will cease after February 10, 2026, under the adjusted schedule.

Passengers are advised to check flight statuses directly with the airline, as the reduced capacity will persist through the winter season.

Signpost NewsDesk

Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.