The Indian Aviation Regulator (DGCA) has taken the strictest action ever against the country’s largest airline IndiGo. The regulator has imposed a huge fine of Rs 22.20 crore on the airline for mismanagement and massive disruption in flights in December 2025. Along with this, to ensure that such mistakes do not happen in future, an order has also been given to deposit a bank guarantee of Rs 50 crore.
Why did the situation worsen in December?
This entire action has been taken regarding the stir that broke out between 3rd to 5th December 2025. Indigo’s system completely collapsed in those three days. According to the data, during this period, 2,507 flights of the airline had to be canceled and 1,852 flights were delayed. This had a direct impact on the general public and more than 3 lakh passengers were left stranded at different airports, causing huge chaos.
Indigo’s negligence revealed in investigation
DGCA had formed a special committee of four members to investigate the matter. The committee has clarified in its report that the airline had ‘over-optimized’ its operations in the pursuit of profit. The biggest flaw was that no backup plan was prepared for the crew and planes. There were not enough resources to handle the situation at the time of crisis, due to which this situation arose.
persistent disregard for rules
It has come up prominently in the investigation that IndiGo did not follow the new rules of ‘Flight Duty Time Limitations’ (FDTL). These rules are designed to reduce fatigue of pilots and cabin crew and ensure flight safety. According to the report, the crew members were overworked beyond their capacity. The airline failed to comply with these norms for 68 consecutive days, which the regulator considered a safety breach.
Full details of fine
The total fine of Rs 22.20 crore imposed by DGCA has been divided into two parts. This includes penalties for violations of rules and per day. The details are as follows:
Reason for violation Penalty amount Violation of Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) Rs 1.80 crore (lump sum) Non-compliance of FDTL rules (up to 68 days) Rs 20.40 crore (Rs 30 lakh per day) Total penalty Rs 22.20 crore
Big officials also got punished
Not only the financial penalty, but DGCA has also held the top management of IndiGo responsible. The regulator has issued a stern warning to the CEO of the airline. In the biggest action, the Senior Vice President (OCC) has been directed to be removed from his operational responsibilities with immediate effect. Apart from this, the COO and other concerned officials of the company have also been warned for the future.
Last Updated: 18 January 2026