IndiGo flight cancellations: 500+: Airports across India witnessed chaos as thousands of IndiGo passengers were left stranded without their luggage, food, or clear communication following one of the airline’s worst operational disruptions in recent years. Over the last four days, IndiGo has cancelled more than 550 flights, creating widespread frustration and safety concerns for travellers.
Passengers Left Waiting for 12–14 Hours Without Support
At major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, passengers described the situation as “mental torture” after waiting for several hours with little clarity from the airline. Many travellers slept on the airport floor, while others broke down in anger due to the lack of updates.
One passenger at Delhi Airport said he had been waiting for more than 12 hours, receiving repeated 1–2 hour delay messages from IndiGo.
“We were heading to a wedding, but we didn’t even have our luggage. No staff member is giving us proper information. It’s the worst experience ever.”
Another flyer, stranded since the previous afternoon, said there were no food coupons, no water, and no explanations from the airline staff.
“My connecting flight got cancelled. People are shouting, crying, and asking for help, but nobody is responding,” the passenger added.
Hyderabad and Goa Airports See Heated Protests: IndiGo flight cancellations: 500+
Similar scenes unfolded at Hyderabad Airport, where angry passengers demanded accommodation and clarity. Some stranded travellers even blocked an Air India flight in protest, urging authorities to intervene.
A flyer from Hyderabad said,
“My flight was at 7:30 pm yesterday. It has been over 12 hours and IndiGo still has no explanation. There is no food, no water, nothing. Senior citizens are struggling. This is unacceptable.”
At Goa Airport, passengers shouted at the IndiGo staff as policemen stepped in to control the situation.
IndiGo Cancels More Flights, Cites Crew Shortages & Planning Gaps
IndiGo admitted that the disruption was caused by a combination of crew shortages, planning errors, and technology issues, worsened by winter congestion.
The airline told the Civil Aviation Ministry and the DGCA that it misjudged crew requirements under the revised flight duty rules.
Key details:
- Over 550 flights cancelled on Thursday alone
- Major cancellations at:
- Mumbai (118 flights)
- Bengaluru (100 flights)
- Hyderabad (75 flights)
- Kolkata (35 flights)
- Chennai (26 flights)
- Goa (11 flights)
- Further cancellations expected for the next 2–3 days
IndiGo is now reducing operations starting December 8 to stabilise its schedule.
IndiGo flight cancellations: 500+: Airline Issues Apology, Says Normalisation Will Take Time
IndiGo released a public apology, acknowledging the severity of the crisis:
“We extend a heartfelt apology to all customers and stakeholders who have been impacted by these events.”
The airline said teams are working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, BCAS, AAI, and airport authorities to restore normal operations.
However, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers warned that returning to normal schedules “will not be an easy target.”
