India’s domestic aviation sector is facing a severe disruption as IndiGo’s operational crisis continues into its third day, sending flight prices on popular routes to unprecedented levels. Hundreds of flight cancellations nationwide have forced thousands of passengers to scramble for alternatives, triggering a surge in demand and pushing last-minute fares beyond ₹80,000 in some cases.

Flight Prices Surge Amid Widespread Cancellations

The ongoing IndiGo disruptions have affected airports across India, particularly Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and other major hubs. Passengers looking for urgent flights are confronting extremely high ticket prices, often far above typical rates for the country’s busiest domestic routes.

According to booking data on platforms such as MakeMyTrip, the cheapest flight from Delhi to Bengaluru on December 6 is priced above ₹40,000, with some last-minute options exceeding ₹80,000. On the Delhi–Mumbai route, tickets now cost a minimum of ₹36,107, rising as high as ₹56,000. Return fares to the national capital are slightly lower but still steep, with the cheapest options around ₹23,000 and peak prices surpassing ₹37,000.

The price surge is consistent across other routes as well. A last-minute Delhi–Chennai flight ranges from ₹62,000 to ₹82,000, while Delhi–Guwahati tickets are priced between ₹23,998 and ₹35,015. The situation highlights the stark contrast between domestic fares and international tickets, which, in some cases, are significantly cheaper. For instance, a Delhi–Dubai ticket on the same day costs approximately ₹25,855, and a Bengaluru–Dubai flight is available for around ₹15,000. Similarly, a Delhi–Bangkok flight is priced at roughly ₹18,747.

Operational Breakdown Behind the Fare Spike

The dramatic increase in fares is a direct consequence of IndiGo’s operational setbacks. Over 500 flights were delayed or cancelled nationwide on Friday alone, leaving airports overcrowded and passengers stranded for hours without clear communication. Delhi Airport announced that all IndiGo departures on December 6 were cancelled until midnight, although other carriers continued to operate normally.

The airline attributes the disruptions to multiple operational challenges, including staff shortages, technical issues, winter congestion, and weather-related delays. However, aviation officials and industry experts emphasize that a key factor has been the rollout of India’s revamped Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), designed to curb pilot fatigue. The new norms restrict pilot working hours, weekly rest, and night operations, which forced a significant portion of IndiGo’s crew into mandatory rest periods just as winter schedules expanded, leading to cascading cancellations.

To alleviate the crisis, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo a one-time temporary exemption from certain rules governing late-duty and late-night operations, valid until February 10, 2026. The exemption is intended to help the airline restore operational stability while minimizing passenger disruption.

Passenger Experiences: Frustration and Financial Strain

Passengers across the country have expressed deep frustration at the ongoing chaos. Many reported hours-long waits, uncertainty about cancellations, and lack of clear communication from IndiGo staff. The skyrocketing fares have further compounded the stress, particularly for those with urgent travel needs.

In Bengaluru, Odisha, and Hyderabad, passengers recounted spending entire days at airports, often without accommodation, food, or clarity on alternative travel options. Families traveling with elderly or differently-abled members, as well as international tourists, faced the brunt of the disruption. Some travellers have been forced to purchase high-priced last-minute tickets to meet personal, ceremonial, or professional commitments, with many expressing concern over the financial burden imposed by the unprecedented fare surge.

Impact on Domestic Travel Patterns

The fare spike is particularly notable on some of India’s busiest domestic routes, such as Delhi–Bengaluru, Delhi–Mumbai, and Delhi–Chennai, reflecting both high demand and limited availability. Travel platforms have recorded doubling or more of usual last-minute ticket prices, a phenomenon rarely seen in India’s aviation sector.

While fares for flights scheduled a few days later—December 9–12—are already showing significant reductions, the immediate pressure on passengers seeking urgent travel has been severe. Many stranded passengers reported that the disruption had derailed travel plans for weddings, business meetings, funerals, and other time-sensitive commitments, further highlighting the cascading impact of IndiGo’s operational crisis.

Broader Implications for Indian Aviation

The ongoing disruption and fare inflation underscore broader challenges facing India’s domestic aviation sector, including the delicate balance between operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and passenger welfare. IndiGo’s reliance on its A320 fleet, combined with stringent FDTL compliance, has exposed vulnerabilities in crew management and scheduling, particularly during peak travel periods and seasonal demand spikes.

While DGCA exemptions may stabilize operations in the near term, the current crisis has exposed gaps in communication, contingency planning, and customer support, prompting calls for more proactive measures to protect passengers and maintain confidence in India’s aviation system.

Looking Ahead

As IndiGo works to restore its network and honor temporary DGCA exemptions, passengers are left navigating overcrowded airports, fluctuating fares, and limited flight options. Travel experts expect that as the airline’s schedule stabilizes over the coming days, last-minute fares may ease, offering relief to travellers. However, for those affected by the current wave of cancellations, the emotional, logistical, and financial toll has already been significant.

The IndiGo crisis serves as a stark reminder of how operational disruptions, regulatory compliance, and airline network management intersect to affect millions of passengers across the country. From soaring domestic fares to stranded families and international travellers, the fallout of this disruption has reverberated across India’s aviation landscape, prompting scrutiny of airline preparedness, regulatory oversight, and the adequacy of contingency measures.

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