IndiGo flight cancellations India is experiencing severe travel disruptions as IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, cancelled hundreds of flights on Friday. The chaos follows three consecutive days of delays and last-minute schedule changes across major airports.
The airline, which operates over 2,000 flights daily and controls nearly 60% of India’s aviation market, has been struggling due to an unexpected shortage of pilots. This shortage emerged after IndiGo failed to fully prepare for newly implemented crew rostering rules that require longer rest hours and stricter night-duty limits.
Thousands of Passengers Stranded Amid Peak Travel Season: IndiGo flight cancellations
The cancellations have left thousands of passengers stranded across major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. In Delhi, all IndiGo departures were cancelled on Friday, leading to packed terminals and frustrated travellers.
December traditionally marks one of India’s busiest travel periods due to school holidays, festive travel, and the start of the wedding season. Many passengers have taken to social media to express their anger, citing the lack of communication, unavailability of food, and uncertainty about alternative travel arrangements.
Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, also shared his experience online, saying he was “lost for words” after missing a wedding due to the disruption.
IndiGo flight cancellations: Why IndiGo Flights Are Being Cancelled
India’s aviation regulator has attributed the chaos to “misjudgment and planning gaps” in implementing the new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) norms.
Under the revised rules:
- Pilots get more mandatory rest
- Maximum night-time landings per week are reduced from six to two
- Duty hours for late-night operations are more restricted
The Airline Pilots Association of India has argued that relaxing these rules would compromise flight safety.
IndiGo’s Response and Recovery Plan
The airline has announced that full operational normalcy may only be restored by 10 February. To manage the crisis, IndiGo has:
- Requested temporary relief from the new duty rules
- Reduced daily flight operations from 8 December
- Waived all cancellation and rescheduling fees for travel between 5 and 15 December
- Offered hotel stays and meals for stranded passengers
However, travellers continue to report delays in updates, inadequate facilities, and long queues at help desks.
Government and Regulator Step In
India’s aviation ministry has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation. The federal aviation minister expressed “clear displeasure” over the airline’s handling of the crisis.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered IndiGo to immediately provide a detailed strategy covering:
- Crew recruitment
- Pilot training
- Roster restructuring
- Safety risk assessment
- Long-term mitigation measures
Major airports have also issued advisories urging passengers to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport.
What Passengers Should Do Now
Travellers scheduled to fly IndiGo in the coming days are advised to:
- Check flight status regularly
- Arrive early if flying from major cities
- Consider alternate airlines or travel modes
- Keep receipts to claim reimbursements if needed
India’s travel demand remains high in December, and airlines across the country are experiencing capacity pressure, making early planning essential.
