Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.India’s aviation sector is facing twin regulatory scrutiny as IndiGo Airlines, which controls around 65 percent of the domestic market and operates nearly 2,200 flights daily, comes under the Competition Commission of India’s lens, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has rolled out stricter surveillance norms following recent disruptions. Together, the developments underline growing concerns over market dominance, passenger impact and operational safety in the country’s fast-expanding aviation industry.
Regulator examines IndiGo market dominance
The Competition Commission of India is examining whether IndiGo’s commanding position in the domestic aviation market breaches competition laws. Sources indicate the matter may fall under Section 4 of the Competition Act, which prohibits abuse of dominant position, including unfair pricing and arbitrary service practices. The commission is assessing the airline’s market share, its stronghold on specific high-density routes and whether its pricing or capacity decisions have disadvantaged passengers or competitors. If preliminary findings suggest unreasonable fare hikes or unfair conduct, the CCI is likely to order a detailed investigation into the airline’s business practices.
DGCA tightens rules after flight disruptions
Following a spate of delays, cancellations and technical issues involving IndiGo flights, aviation regulator DGCA has overhauled defect monitoring norms with immediate effect. Under a new 12-page directive, any scheduled flight delayed by 15 minutes or more due to a technical reason will now face mandatory scrutiny. Airlines must explain the cause of the delay, corrective steps taken and safeguards introduced to prevent recurrence. Earlier, such delays did not attract systematic investigation, exposing gaps in oversight.
Key changes under new defect reporting system
The DGCA has introduced several stricter requirements aimed at improving accountability and early detection of safety risks. These include:
- Mandatory phone intimation to DGCA for any major technical defect
- Submission of a detailed defect report within 72 hours
- Classification of defects recurring three times as repetitive defects
- Separate special investigation for repetitive defects
- Clear definitions introduced for defects and reporting timelines
The regulator said the existing system was weak and failed to capture short technical delays that cumulatively affect safety and passenger trust.
Surveillance system overhaul across airports
Amid growing congestion, staff shortages and operational stress across airports, DGCA has ordered a complete revamp of its surveillance mechanism. Inspection teams will now be required to stay at airports for at least seven hours during routine inspections to assess real-time operational readiness. A new 32-point Airport Inspection Checklist has been introduced, which inspection teams must submit to headquarters within 48 hours. This is the first time such an on-ground, standardised inspection framework has been implemented nationwide, aimed at boosting transparency and accountability for both airlines and airport operators.
What inspectors will now check on ground
Under the new protocol, DGCA teams will conduct detailed checks covering:
- Licensing compliance and training records
- Crew duty rosters and fatigue management
- Staff availability and ground handling operations
- Safety Management Systems and risk assessments
- Ramp safety and emergency response preparedness
- Crowd control and queue management
- Passenger facilities such as seating, water and information desks
- Baggage delivery and support for special-needs passengers
IndiGo says operations stabilising
Responding to the developments, IndiGo said it has resumed normal operations with full connectivity. The airline operated over 2,050 flights on December 13 for the second consecutive day, maintaining links across all 138 destinations. On-time performance has returned to normal levels, and only two flights were cancelled on December 12 due to technical issues, with affected passengers accommodated. However, regulators and experts say sustained oversight will be crucial as India’s busiest airline navigates scrutiny over both market power and operational resilience.
