IndiGo Blow: DGCA Reinstates ₹40 Lakh Fine on Top Directors Over Training Violations

IndiGo’s top brass just got a reality check from the DGCA Appellate Authority. As of Friday, January 9, 2026, the regulator has officially shut the door on the airline’s appeal, reinstating a heavy fine for some serious training shortcuts.

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The thing is, this isn’t just a corporate slap on the wrist. We’re talking about ₹40 lakh in total—₹20 lakh each—hitting the personal pockets of the Director of Flight Operations and the Director of Training. Or nothing. Let’s be real, when you’re responsible for the safety of millions, “proper simulators” aren’t optional. Those too.

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The “Simulator Gate” Log: Field Notes

It’s an ongoing situation where the budget king of Indian skies tried to bypass the high-spec training required for India’s “tricky” runways.

• The Category C Lapses: The DGCA found that IndiGo was using basic simulators to train pilots for Category C airports like Leh, Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kathmandu. The thing is, these airports are notorious for tabletop runways and “bowl” terrains that require specialized, high-fidelity prep.

• 1,700 Pilots in the Hot Seat: The audit revealed that nearly 1,700 pilots (both Captains and First Officers) were trained on unqualified devices. And here’s the kicker—the DGCA identified 20 different simulators across Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru that just didn’t meet the mark for these specific terrains.

• Personal Accountability: This is the big shift. The DGCA didn’t just fine the company; they went after the “post-holders.” It sends a message that the people signing off on training programs are personally liable if those programs cut corners.

• The Market Reaction: Following the news of the failed appeal, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) shares saw a quick 1.22% dip, closing at ₹4,844.70. Investors don’t like it when the “safest” airline starts getting questioned on… well, safety.

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The Penalty Breakdown: Reinstated Jan 7, 2026

[Table: DGCA Enforcement Actions]

And Here’s the Kicker…

IndiGo tried to argue that their training was “aligned with international standards,” but the DGCA wasn’t having it. The thing is, the Bharatiya Vayu Yan Adhiniyam, 2024, has given the regulator much sharper teeth, and they’re clearly using them.

It’s an ongoing situation where IndiGo now has to scramble to re-train a chunk of its flight crew on the right machines. If they don’t move fast, we might see some flight cancellations to Leh or Kathmandu later this month.

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End…

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