DGCA revokes weekly rest rule for flight crew amid large-scale operational disruptions

In a fresh order dated December 5, 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has withdrawn its earlier mandate that barred airlines from substituting pilots’ weekly rest with leave.

The said provision needs to be reviewed in view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines, the civil aviation watchdog said in a statement. Airlines can now use leave in place of weekly rest in order to make their crew rosters stable.

Over 1,200 flights have reportedly been cancelled in the past four days with IndiGo being the majorly affected airline. Both Delhi and Chennai international airports have issued statements saying that IndiGo flights for December 5, 2025, stand cancelled. Hundreds of thousands of passengers have been affected due to these disruptions.

This crisis that hit India’s largest carrier, which commands over 60% of the domestic aviation passenger traffic, stems mainly from crew shortages triggered by the rollout of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. 

Earlier today, IndiGo issued a statement apologising for the flight disruptions. It said the company is working closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA to reinstate regular operations. Further, the airline has also assured that it would offer a full waiver on all cancellations/reschedule requests of bookings made between December 5, 2025- December 15, 2025.

IndiGo has reportedly informed DGCA that it will be fully operational by February 10, 2026.