Fresh Turbulence for IndiGo? CCI and Parliamentary panel tighten scrutiny, 10% flight cut ordered

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is facing regulatory pressure on multiple fronts as the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) move into action following widespread flight cancellations and operational disruptions in recent weeks.

According to Zee Business sources, both bodies have taken note of the sharp rise in cancellations, passenger complaints and concerns over IndiGo’s dominant position on several high-frequency routes.

CCI Considers Inquiry Into IndiGo’s Market Dominance

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

The issue intensified after comments made by Milind Deora in Parliament, which prompted CCI to consider launching a formal inquiry into whether IndiGo may be misusing its market dominance on certain routes. Sources indicated that CCI may build a case examining alleged monopolistic behaviour, especially in sectors where IndiGo has a disproportionately high market share.

Parliamentary Committee Moves Swiftly

At the same time, the Parliamentary Committee has moved swiftly. The panel has called a meeting and issued notices to DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Civil Aviation Ministry, IndiGo, all major airlines, and pilot associations. The committee is expected to question all stakeholders on the root causes of cancellations and the airline’s capacity to operate its approved schedule.

DGCA Orders 10% Reduction in Winter Schedule

Parallel to these developments, the DGCA has ordered IndiGo to cut 10 per cent of its winter schedule, citing severe disruptions in November and early December. Against the 64,346 flights approved for November 2025, IndiGo managed to operate only 59,438. The regulator also highlighted that while IndiGo is approved to operate 403 aircraft, only 339–344 aircraft were flying on average.

Impact of the 10% Cut on Daily Operations

The 10 per cent reduction translates to roughly 1,501 flights per week or around 215 flights per day being removed from the schedule. IndiGo, which earlier operated approximately 2,145 flights daily, will now run close to 1,930 flights per day.

DGCA has directed the airline to submit its revised schedule by 5 pm on December 10.

Ministry’s Assessment and Operational Directives

According to ministry communication reviewed by Zee Business sources, the Civil Aviation Ministry concluded that IndiGo had “not been able to adequately manage its operational resources,” including aircraft availability and pilot crew deployment.

The ministry held a meeting with IndiGo’s top management, including CEO Pieter Elbers, to assess internal lapses related to crew rosters, flight planning and communication with passengers.

IndiGo was instructed to accelerate pending refunds, improve baggage handling and strictly follow all fare-capping and passenger-protection rules. Officials emphasised that temporarily reducing the schedule was essential to stabilise operations and prevent further mass cancellations.

Meanwhile, despite the 10 per cent reduction, IndiGo is expected to continue covering all its current destinations without withdrawing from any route.