Hubballi, Karnataka – In an unusual turn of events that highlighted the power of technology in modern celebrations, a newly married couple from Bengaluru “attended” their own wedding reception via video call after widespread flight cancellations left them stranded hundreds of kilometres away.

Medha Kshirsagar from Hubballi and her husband Sangama Das from Bhubaneswar, both software professionals based in Bengaluru, had been eagerly anticipating their traditional wedding reception at Gujarat Bhavan in Hubballi. The reception was scheduled for Wednesday, following their wedding ceremony in Bhubaneswar on November 23. However, the couple’s carefully laid plans were thrown into disarray by a sudden and severe disruption in air travel caused by IndiGo’s operational crisis.

Flight Cancellations Derail Travel Plans

The couple had booked flights from Bhubaneswar to Bengaluru and then onward to Hubballi for the reception on December 2. Their journey, however, became a series of delays and cancellations. Initially scheduled to depart at 9 am on Tuesday, their flight was repeatedly postponed before being fully cancelled early the next morning.

The chaos did not stop with the couple. Several family members, who attempted to reach the venue via alternate routes including a detour through Mumbai, were also affected by widespread flight cancellations. With the venue already decorated and guests waiting, it became clear that postponing the reception was not a feasible option.

Celebrating Virtually: A Creative Solution

In response to the unprecedented situation, the bride’s parents stepped into an unconventional role. Occupying the ceremonial seats intended for the couple, they performed the reception rituals on behalf of Medha and Sangama. Meanwhile, the newlyweds, dressed in their wedding attire back in Bhubaneswar, joined the celebration virtually through a live video stream.

Despite the physical separation, the couple was able to interact with family members and friends, exchanging smiles and blessings over the video call. “Even though we were miles apart, it felt special to see everyone and participate in the reception from afar,” Sangama said. Guests at the venue expressed admiration for the couple’s adaptability and praised the creative approach that allowed the celebration to continue despite the disruptions.

IndiGo’s Operational Turmoil

The reception incident came against the backdrop of a broader crisis in India’s aviation sector. IndiGo, one of the country’s largest airlines, has been grappling with major operational setbacks this week. Hundreds of flights were cancelled nationwide due to a shortage of pilots and complications arising from new government-mandated duty-time regulations.

Airports across Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Bhopal experienced large-scale disruptions, stranding thousands of travellers. On Thursday alone, IndiGo grounded more than 500 flights, marking the airline’s highest single-day cancellation count in its two-decade history.

The airline informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it expects flight operations to return to normal only by February 10. In the interim, IndiGo has requested temporary easing of crew-duty norms to mitigate the ongoing crisis. Admitting that the turmoil stemmed from “misjudgment and gaps in implementing the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL),” the airline warned that flight cancellations would continue until December 8, followed by a reduction in flight capacity thereafter.

Wider Impact on Travellers

The disruption affected not only the newlyweds but thousands of passengers across India, highlighting vulnerabilities in airline scheduling and contingency planning. Travelers faced a mix of uncertainty and frustration as they attempted to adjust plans, seek refunds, and rebook flights. For Medha and Sangama, the added pressure of missing a milestone family event made the situation particularly stressful, requiring quick thinking and adaptability.

The couple’s decision to embrace technology and celebrate virtually not only salvaged their special day but also set an example of resilience in the face of logistical challenges. Family members and guests adapted quickly, making the reception a memorable event despite the absence of the couple in person.

Modern Celebrations in the Age of Technology

This incident underscores how technology has reshaped social and cultural celebrations. In an era where video conferencing and live streaming are widely accessible, traditional events can continue even when unforeseen disruptions occur. For weddings and receptions, this approach has allowed families and friends to bridge physical distances, ensuring that important rituals and communal participation are preserved.

Looking Forward

As IndiGo works to stabilize its operations, travelers are advised to remain vigilant about flight schedules and potential delays. The airline’s acknowledgment of the mismanagement and its roadmap for returning to normal operations signal a cautious optimism, though widespread disruptions are expected to continue in the short term.

Meanwhile, for Medha and Sangama, the virtual reception will likely remain a unique anecdote in their wedding story—a testament to creativity, adaptability, and the enduring importance of celebrating milestones, no matter the circumstances. While they await the day they can personally meet their Hubballi guests, the couple’s innovative approach ensured that joy, love, and togetherness were not lost to the complications of air travel.