Pilot Shortage, Rule Change & 2,000 Cancellations - What Triggered Aviation Meltdown

India’s aviation sector has been thrown into unprecedented chaos as IndiGo cancelled more than 2,000 flights, leaving passengers stranded nationwide. The crisis was triggered by new Crew Duty and Flight Time Limitation (FDTL) rules aimed at preventing pilot fatigue. Despite months of notice and a phased rollout, IndiGo was unprepared, operating with a lean pilot ratio that collapsed under new staffing requirements. With a dominant 64% market share and 56% of domestic flights, IndiGo’s disruption crippled the entire system. Cancellations surged- 60% of November’s disruptions were tied to new norms, escalating further in December. The government stepped in, rolling back rules until February. While India’s aviation market continues rapid growth, the crisis exposes dangerous over-dependence on a single airline and the urgency for stronger competition and planning.