IndiGo expects stable flight ops to be fully restored by Feb 10 next year
New Delhi (PTI): IndiGo on Thursday informed aviation regulator DGCA that it will reduce flights from December 8 and stable flight operations will be fully restored by February 10, 2026.
Against the backdrop of significant IndiGo flight disruptions in the past few days, the civil aviation ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) held a detailed review meeting with the airline officials.
Flight disruptions due to misjudgment, planning gaps in implementing the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms as the crew requirements exceeded their anticipation, according to a statement issued by DGCA on a day when more than 500 flights were cancelled at various airports.
IndiGo has informed the regulator that corrective actions underway, stable flight operations will be fully restored by February 10, 2026 while more cancellations are expected in the next few days.
The airline will reduce flight operations from December 8 to minimise disruptions.
DGCA has asked IndiGo to submit a detailed roadmap covering projected crew recruitment viz-a-viz induction of aircraft as well as the plan for crew training, roster restructuring, safety-risk assessments, and mitigation measures.
"IndiGo is directed to submit the FDTL relaxations required to normalise the flight operations for DGCA review," the statement said.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
