Updated: Dec 8, 2025, 7:52 AM IST

India’s largest domestic airline, IndiGo, is grappling with its most severe operational disruption in recent history, with more than 1,000 flight cancellations over the weekend alone and continued delays affecting passengers nationwide. The chaos, which entered its sixth consecutive day on Sunday, has left travelers stranded across major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Weekend Disruptions and Cancellations

On Sunday, IndiGo cancelled around 650 flights, accounting for almost 28% of its daily 2,300 flights, and rescheduled several others. With similar cancellations recorded on Saturday, the total number of flights disrupted over the weekend surpassed 1,000. Since the start of the crisis last Tuesday, more than 2,000 flights have been cancelled across the country.

Passengers have faced considerable inconvenience due to the widespread disruptions. Terminals at major airports have been crowded as travelers sought alternate arrangements, rebooked flights, or waited for baggage deliveries. The airline has acknowledged the severe impact on passengers and pledged remedial measures.

Refunds and Passenger Support

IndiGo has processed ₹610 crore in refunds for passengers affected by cancelled flights, meeting the deadline set by the Civil Aviation Ministry. In addition, the airline has delivered 3,000 pieces of baggage stranded due to operational delays. Other support initiatives include arrangements for hotel accommodation, ground transport, and food provisions for stranded travelers, along with AI-based customer assistance.

Operational Causes

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has identified the primary cause of the disruption as IndiGo’s failure to adequately plan for the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, which enforce stricter crew rostering, duty hours, and rest requirements. The sudden enforcement of these rules meant that hundreds of pilots were unavailable for flights, particularly for red-eye and high-utilization schedules, leaving the airline unable to meet its operational commitments.

IndiGo sought additional time to respond to the DGCA’s show cause notice issued to its CEO and accountable manager, requesting a deadline extension until 6 PM on December 8. The aviation regulator subsequently granted a one-time 24-hour extension to submit their response.

Stabilization and Future Outlook

IndiGo has stated that it expects its network to stabilize by December 10, which is earlier than the previously projected window of December 10–15. The airline has assured passengers that 137 out of 138 destinations are operational, and recovery is progressing “step by step” under close monitoring by its Board Crisis Management Group.

While IndiGo continues to take remedial measures, aviation experts warn that the airline remains vulnerable to further delays if staffing or scheduling disruptions recur. The crisis has also highlighted the fragile state of India’s domestic aviation infrastructure, which is heavily reliant on a duopoly of IndiGo and Air India, leaving passengers with few alternatives during major operational failures.

Passenger Advisory

The airline has repeatedly urged travelers to check flight status online and avoid traveling to the airport if their flight is already marked as cancelled. Authorities and IndiGo support staff continue to assist affected passengers with rescheduling, compensation, and on-ground facilities.

The DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring compliance with safety and operational regulations, while passengers remain hopeful for a swift resolution.