Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
New Delhi, November 19, 2025: India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a ₹20 lakh fine on IndiGo, the country’s leading airline, for contravening instrument flight procedure (IFP) protocols at Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport. This enforcement action highlights the regulator's increased emphasis on compliance with safety standards.
As per a filing from InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo's parent company, the DGCA concluded that the airline utilized a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Instrument Flight Procedure that it developed internally, rather than utilizing the official guidelines issued by the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The AAI is the sole body authorized to publish such protocols, and any deviation from this infringes on Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, along with applicable sections in the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR).
InterGlobe Aviation confirmed receipt of the DGCA's notice on November 17, 2025. In their statement, the company assured that this penalty would have “no material impact” on its operational or financial health, reiterating that IndiGo remains fully compliant with aviation regulations.
Experts in the industry assert that adherence to instrument procedures is vital for aviation safety, especially in areas like Udaipur, where challenging terrain and heavy air traffic necessitate rigorous regulatory compliance. The DGCA's recent penalty reflects a shift towards stricter enforcement aimed at ensuring that airlines follow approved operational procedures, enhancing safety standards.
This latest fine comes shortly after the DGCA penalized IndiGo ₹40 lakh for employing unqualified full-flight simulators to train pilots at Category C airports such as Leh, Calicut, and Kathmandu. Investigations indicated that nearly 1,700 pilots had trained on these simulators, which did not conform to required regulatory standards for high-stakes flights. Additionally, the DGCA imposed individual fines of ₹20 lakh on IndiGo’s Director of Training and Director of Flight Operations due to oversight failures related to CAR guidelines.
Aviation experts interpret these ongoing penalties as the DGCA's resolve to uphold high safety standards amid the rapid expansion of India’s aviation industry. Following standardized procedures is critical, not only to mitigate regulatory repercussions but also to ensure safety and operational integrity for passengers, especially in complex airport environments.
As one of the largest airlines operating both domestically and internationally, IndiGo has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to safety and compliance. While these fines serve as significant reminders, industry watchers believe that the DGCA’s tougher regulations will foster greater operational discipline and avert lapses that might endanger passenger safety.
Amidst fast-paced growth in India’s aviation sector, these instances underscore the essential role of regulatory oversight and adherence to authorized protocols in preserving safe flight operations and maintaining public trust in commercial aviation.
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