DGCA New Weekly Rest Rule: DGCA changed the weekly rest rule amid increased delays due to IndiGo flight crisis and crew shortage. Now airlines will be able to utilize crew leave, which will reduce roster pressure and flight operations are expected to stabilize soon.
New Delhi. Amidst the continuous delays, cancellations and severe shortage of crew in IndiGo flights in India, there has been a relief news for the passengers. DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has withdrawn its old rule and allowed airlines to use leave in place of weekly rest for the crew. This change will provide immediate operational flexibility to all airlines including IndiGo and is expected to reduce flight cancellations. The new rule will be implemented with immediate effect.
Which airports have more problems?
In the last few days, passengers had to face a lot of problems at many airports in the country, especially Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad. Hundreds of Indigo flights were delayed or cancelled. The reason was the severe shortage of crew and the suddenly increased operational load. Amidst this chaos, DGCA has taken a big decision to change its rules.
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Will DGCA’s new rule be able to get airlines out of trouble?
The new order issued by DGCA has come into effect immediately. Now airlines can use the leave in lieu of crew’s weekly rest, making it easier to maintain rosters during times of staff shortage. In the DGCA rules issued in January 2025, it was clearly written that “No leave will be given in lieu of weekly rest.” But now this clause has been withdrawn. Airlines say this change was necessary because they did not have enough crew available to handle sudden delays and cancellations.
Why did DGCA have to change the old rule?
In the DGCA circular issued in January 2025, it was clearly written that no leave will be given in lieu of weekly rest. But recently many airlines including IndiGo sent complaints of severe staff shortage and overloaded roster. Hundreds of flights across the country were being affected due to crew unavailability, making it necessary to provide relief to the regulator.
Why did DGCA have to change the old rule?
DGCA has said in its order that they were continuously receiving complaints from many airlines. Flight operations were facing major challenges like frequent delays, sudden cancellations, crew shortage, difficulty in making rosters. The reason for withdrawing the rule has been clearly stated by DGCA that “This change was necessary to maintain operational continuity and stability.” This means that in view of the recent chaos, the regulator has decided to give temporary relief to the airlines.
Will Indigo’s canceled flights get back on track with this decision?
A large number of IndiGo flights were affected last week. Dozens of flights were delayed at Chennai and Hyderabad airports alone. Many flights were cancelled, thousands of passengers are stranded. Indigo was facing severe shortage of crew, making roster formation difficult. This step of DGCA may provide immediate relief to IndiGo and it will try to normalize its schedule in the coming days. However, aviation experts say that “it may take a few more days for stability to arrive.”
Will passengers get relief now? When will the crowd subside?
This decision of DGCA will give airlines an opportunity to stabilize flight schedules. Passengers may also get relief gradually, but not immediately. Airlines have advised passengers to:
- Keep checking flight status continuously.
- Reached the airport a little early.
- Keep crowds and potential delays in mind.
- Until operations are completely normal, major airports are likely to remain crowded.
Is this change for the long term or just a relief in crisis?
DGCA has just implemented this change with immediate effect, but it is not clear for how long this rule will remain in force. There is a possibility that this may be a temporary relief step. If the situation becomes normal then DGCA can again impose the same strict rules in which taking leave in place of weekly rest was not allowed.
Will airlines overwork crews?
Some experts say that continuously reducing rest can cause crew fatigue. This may also affect the safety of the flight. This policy will not be right in the long run, but DGCA believes that this decision is for a very limited time and airlines cannot compromise on safety standards.
Will flights be available on time in the coming days?
This quick step by DGCA will reduce flight cancellations. Delays will reduce. Airlines will get flexibility in managing roster. This means that the problems of passengers may be reduced a little. But it will take some time for complete normalcy to return.