IndiGo’s massive operational disruption, which saw over 1,000 flight cancellations on Friday, is showing signs of stabilising, though airports across India, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, faced chaotic scenes in the past days.
The airline, India’s largest domestic carrier, attributed the crisis to “unforeseen operational challenges,” including minor technical glitches, winter schedule adjustments, and weather conditions. However, aviation regulators have pointed to the implementation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) as the main trigger. Introduced in January 2024 to ensure crew rest and prevent fatigue, the rules were only recently enforced, with the DGCA noting IndiGo’s “misjudgment and gap in planning” as the key cause of disruptions.
Key updates:
- Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport said operations are “steadily resuming,” advising passengers to check their flight status before leaving home.
- CEO Pieter Elbers indicated cancellations for Saturday are expected to fall below 1,000, with full restoration of services targeted between December 10–15.
- Passengers affected between December 5–15 will receive full refunds and a waiver of rescheduling charges.
- Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced a high-level inquiry into the disruptions, stressing accountability and confirming DGCA’s temporary abeyance of FDTL rules to stabilise operations.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Hosts Farewell Dinner for Russian President Putin
President Droupadi Murmu hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday evening, concluding his two-day visit with a farewell dinner highlighting India’s culinary diversity and cultural heritage.
The menu offered a tour of regional flavours, featuring Murungelai Chaaru, Gucchi Doon Chetin, Kaale Chane Ke Shikampuri kebabs, Vegetable Jhol Momos, Zafrani Paneer Roll, Paalak Methi Mattar Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan, Yellow Dal Tadka, Dry Fruit-Saffron Pulao, and a range of Indian breads. Desserts included Badam Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, Gur Sandesh, and seasonal fruits.
The cultural programme combined Indian ragas with Russian folk music and excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, alongside Bollywood classics, reflecting the warmth of India-Russia ties.
President Putin praised the growing strategic partnership, while PM Modi and President Murmu highlighted 2025 as a productive year for cooperation. Announcements included plans for a free 30-day e-tourist visa and 30-day group tourist visa for Russian visitors, and strengthening transport and economic connectivity between the two nations.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor attended the dinner and was seen interacting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, amid debate over opposition leaders’ invitations.
HTLS 2025: Focus on Economy, Customs, and Judicial Reform
At the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025, several key leaders shared insights on India’s economic and judicial priorities:
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Emphasised that the rupee will find its own level despite recent fluctuations. She also announced that the government’s next reform target is customs, aiming for a transparent, simplified system similar to the “faceless” income tax regime.
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant: Highlighted reducing pending cases through mediation and prioritised litigation. He also stressed training the judiciary for new challenges like cybercrime and digital arrests.
Other Headlines
- Tributes on Mahaparinirvana Diwas: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and other leaders paid respects to Dr B.R. Ambedkar at the Parliament complex and Mumbai’s Chaitya Bhoomi.
- Karnataka Politics: Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar dismissed speculation over his meeting with Minister Satish Jarkiholi at a wedding, describing it as routine collegial interaction amid a Cabinet power tussle.
- Murshidabad Babri Masjid Replica: Heightened security ahead of a proposed foundation-laying ceremony by suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, coinciding with the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition.
- US Criticism on Russian Oil: Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin labelled US opposition to India’s purchase of Russian oil as “hypocritical,” noting India’s energy requirements and strategic autonomy.
- Origin of ‘Jai Bhim’: The Dalit empowerment slogan was first given at Makranpur Parishad in central Maharashtra in 1938, during a conference addressed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
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