India relaxes parts of new pilot-fatigue rules after IndiGo chaos
Government orders airlines to keep ticket prices within fare caps
DGCA serves show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO, orders full refunds by 7 December
Latest News
India to roll out free 30-day e-tourist and group visas for Russian citizens
During President Putin’s visit, India announced it will offer Russian tourists free 30-day e-tourist and group visas, processed within a month. The move should boost inbound traffic and signals deeper strategic and economic ties under the India-Russia ‘Vision 2030’ plan.
Air India waives change and cancellation fees to aid stranded domestic travellers
Air India and Air India Express will allow one free change or full refund on domestic tickets booked before 4 December, helping passengers reroute around IndiGo cancellations and demonstrating compliance with fare-cap rules.
Indian Railways to run 89 special trains over three days to clear aviation spill-over
To absorb passenger overflow from the IndiGo flight crisis, Indian Railways will operate 89 special trains and add extra coaches between 6 and 9 December, while temporarily halting platform-ticket sales at busy stations to control crowds.
US visa wait times for Indians fall sharply, easing student and business travel
Updated consular statistics released on 6 December show dramatic cuts in US visa interview queues for Indians—especially in student and exchange categories—reducing lead times for academic and corporate travel planning.
IndiGo Cancels Over 500 Flights in One Day, Paralyzing India’s Domestic Air Network
IndiGo’s crew-scheduling crisis forced the cancellation of 500-plus flights on 5 December, crippling domestic connectivity and stranding thousands. Corporates face soaring spot fares, hotel costs and itinerary rewrites until operations stabilise mid-December.
India Unveils Free 30-Day e-Tourist & Group Visas for Russian Travellers
During President Putin’s Delhi summit, India scrapped the ₹2,500 fee on 30-day e-tourist and group visas for Russian citizens. The move is designed to revive sagging Russian arrivals and signals a possible wider shift toward targeted fee waivers. Business travellers are not covered, so corporates must continue standard visa processes.
Government Suspends New Pilot-Rest Rules, Grants DGCA Exemptions to Rescue IndiGo
To stabilise air services, the Civil Aviation Ministry froze newly tightened night-duty limits for pilots—solely for IndiGo—and the DGCA redeployed its own inspectors to fly for the airline. The exceptional relief runs to 10 February 2026 and aims to end mass cancellations but raises fresh questions about pilot fatigue and regulatory consistency.
New U.S. Social-Media Vetting Rule Stokes Anxiety Among Indian H-1B Families
A new U.S. mandate requires H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to open up social-media accounts for scrutiny, sparking panic among Indian tech professionals who dominate these categories. Delays could cost thousands of Indian spouses their work authorisation, forcing companies to rethink U.S. staffing timelines.
Delhi Locks Down Key Arterial Roads for Putin Visit—Business Travellers Advised to Reroute
Central Delhi saw sweeping road closures on 5 December for President Putin’s convoy, disrupting airport access and business appointments. Companies were forced to reroute staff and reschedule meetings; similar diversions may reappear until the visit ends.