DGCA withdraws weekly rest order as IndiGo chaos leaves passengers stranded

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday withdrew its instructions regarding the weekly rest for crew members following the IndiGo chaos which left thousands of passengers stranded at multiple airports.

This comes after continuous airline operational disruptions nationwide, with over 500 IndiGo flights delayed or cancelled on Friday, according to the latest report, causing severe inconvenience to travellers.

In a statement, the DGCA referred to its earlier letter, which had stipulated that “no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest.” The regulator cited ongoing operational disruptions and requests from various airlines to ensure continuity and stability of flight operations as reasons for revising the rule.

“Whereas, reference is invited to the above-mentioned letter, specifically to the paragraph stipulating that “no Ieave shall be substituted for weekly rest”; and whereas, in view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations, it has been considered necessary to review the said provision,” the statement read.

“Now, therefore, the instruction contained in the referenced paragraph that no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect,” the statement read, adding that the decision has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.

According to the latest report, amid ongoing airline operational disruptions nationwide, over 500 IndiGo flights were delayed or cancelled on Friday, causing severe inconvenience to travellers.

Meanwhile, all IndiGo flights departing from Delhi Airport on Friday have been cancelled till midnight, while operations for other carriers remain as scheduled, the Delhi Airport advisory said.