Summary
Thousands of IndiGo flights in India were cancelled due to pilot shortages after the airline didn't adjust to new government guidelines on pilot working hours. This caused significant travel disruptions during a busy travel season, and the Indian government had to step in to help manage the situation.
Key Facts
- IndiGo cancelled about 3,400 flights since December 2 due to pilot shortages.
- The disruptions affected travel during a busy season in India, stranding thousands of passengers.
- IndiGo controls 65% of India's airline market, impacting travel significantly.
- New rules on pilot working hours came into effect in November 2023 to reduce fatigue.
- The guidelines increased required rest periods and reduced night-time flying hours.
- IndiGo struggled to implement these changes, leading to flight cancellations.
- IndiGo and Air India together have a 92% market share in India.
- The Indian government placed a temporary cap on domestic flight fares due to the crisis.
