IndiGo and India's Aviation Regulator in Simulator Training Showdown

India's largest airline, IndiGo, has found itself in the regulatory spotlight after a dispute with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) over pilot simulator training practices. The carrier is now contesting a penalty and defending its training processes amid aviation safety concerns.

In early October 2025, IndiGo publicly acknowledged receiving an order from the DGCA that included a financial penalty related to alleged lapses in simulator training. The regulator's concern centered on the airline's use of flight simulators that were reportedly not fully approved - or "qualified" - for preparing pilots to operate into what are known as Category C or critical airports. These airports, such as Calicut, Leh, and Kathmandu, present unique approach and runway challenges that require specific simulation training standards.

According to the DGCA's investigation, simulator training for nearly 1,700 pilots, including both captains and first officers, was conducted using devices that may not have been certified for critical airport operations. The issue extended across multiple training locations in India, with around 20 simulators flagged for lacking the required qualifications for those particular airports.

IndiGo's official filings show the airline was fined Rs 20 lakh (around $24,000 USD) over the matter and has challenged the order before the appropriate appellate authority, maintaining the action will not materially affect its operations or finances. The airline also explained that a delay in disclosing the order was unintentional and stemmed from internal communication lags.

In its regulatory disclosures, IndiGo emphasized it remains committed to pilot proficiency and safety, asserting that all training complies with required standards even as it disputes the DGCA's findings. The company's appeal highlights how airlines and regulators sometimes navigate complex technical standards in swiftly evolving aviation sectors.

This episode comes at a time when Indian aviation oversight has been particularly active in scrutinizing pilot training and operational compliance - underscoring the industry's ongoing focus on safety culture and training rigour as flight operations expand

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