DGCA Inquiry Flags IndiGo Delays: Over-optimised Operations and Minimal Crew Buffers

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) releases findings of its constituted inquiry committee on large-scale flight delays and cancellations by IndiGo. The findings flag over-optimised operations, inadequate aircraft and crew buffers, non-compliance with revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, and lack of effective crisis management; financial penalties are levied.

DGCA Inquiry on IndiGo Delays and Cancellations: 

Dimension	Key Details
Operations Planning	Provides for identification of over-optimisation of operations prioritising commercial utilisation over resilience.
Operational Buffers	Inadequate operational buffers in aircraft and crew planning.
Inquiry Finding	Flags non-compliance with revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms.
Management Systems	Lack of effective crisis management and internal escalation.
Enforcement Action	Financial penalties are levied.
Headquarters	New Delhi.
Nature	Regulatory body in the field of civil aviation, primarily dealing with safety issues.
Responsibilities	Regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards.
Administrative Control	Under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
International Coordination	Coordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).