InterGlobe Aviation 's IndiGo has released its Q3 operational performance metrics, demonstrating strong passenger demand and operational efficiency across its network. The airline's key performance indicators reflect robust business fundamentals during the quarter.

Operational Performance Metrics

IndiGo's Q3 performance showcased solid operational metrics across multiple parameters. The airline's capacity utilization and passenger demand indicators point to healthy market conditions and effective network management.

Load Factor Achievement

The airline achieved a load factor of 84.60% during Q3, indicating strong passenger demand relative to available capacity. This metric reflects the percentage of available seats that were occupied by paying passengers, demonstrating effective demand management and route optimization strategies.

Capacity and Network Operations

IndiGo's available seat kilometers reached 45.4 billion during the quarter, representing the total passenger-carrying capacity offered across its network. This substantial capacity deployment underscores the airline's extensive domestic and international route network operations.

Revenue Efficiency

The carrier reported a yield of ₹5.33 per kilometer, which measures the average revenue generated per passenger kilometer. This yield metric provides insight into the airline's pricing strategy and revenue optimization across its route portfolio.

These operational metrics collectively indicate IndiGo's continued focus on maintaining high capacity utilization while managing its extensive network operations effectively during the third quarter.

The Delhi High Court has directed interglobe aviation to file a comprehensive affidavit detailing refunds and compensation measures for passengers affected by widespread flight disruptions in early December. A bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia set a two-week deadline for the submission and scheduled the next hearing for February 25.

Court Proceedings and Government Response

The court received in a sealed cover the inquiry report submitted by the Union government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) into the operational lapses that brought India's aviation network to a standstill. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the union government, informed the court about the penalties imposed following the probe.

IndiGo's Compensation Measures

IndiGo's counsel informed the court that the airline is actively processing refunds for cancelled flights and offering compensation to affected passengers. The compensation structure prioritizes those most severely impacted by the disruptions.

Root Cause and Regulatory Action

The mass flight cancellations in early December stemmed from IndiGo's failure to adequately adapt to revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. On January 17, the DGCA imposed a record penalty of ₹22.20 crore on the airline for overstretching flight crew and failing to comply with revised pilot duty and rest rules.

A four-member inquiry committee identified several operational deficiencies:

• Prioritization of maximum aircraft and pilot utilization
• Minimal buffer in rosters
• Heavy reliance on extended duties and tight turnarounds
• Deficiencies in software systems and management structure
• Shortage of at least 65 captains when final FDTL rules took effect

Regulatory Interventions

The DGCA implemented multiple measures to address the crisis:

• 10% cut in IndiGo's schedule
• Temporary relaxation of certain FDTL norms
• Fare caps and mandatory daily fare submissions
• Round-the-clock control room establishment
• Deployment of flight operations inspectors between December 6-30
• Passenger facilitation teams at key airports

Current Status and Future Compliance

IndiGo has informed the regulator that it expects to achieve adequate crew strength for full compliance with revised duty and rest norms by February 10. The airline currently operates with approximately 2,400.00 captains and 2,240.00 first officers and is actively onboarding additional pilots to eliminate dependency on temporary FDTL exemptions granted during the disruptions.

The court case originated from a public interest litigation filed by advocate Akhil Rana, seeking directions for passenger support, refunds, and compensation amid the widespread cancellations that affected thousands of travelers.