IndiGo flight cancellations leave thousands stranded
IndiGo flight cancellations have thrown air travel into chaos this week, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports across India. The airline, India’s largest budget carrier, cancelled more than 150 flights on Wednesday due to crew shortages and new roster rules. The disruption continued into Thursday, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports reporting dozens of additional cancellations.
Passengers at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other major hubs faced long queues, heated arguments with staff, and hours of waiting as schedules collapsed. Social media was flooded with frustrated travellers sharing videos and photos of crowded terminals, delayed announcements, and cancelled boarding passes.
City-wise list of cancelled IndiGo flights
Here’s a breakdown of the airports worst affected on Wednesday:
| Airport | Flights Cancelled |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 42 |
| Delhi | 38 |
| Mumbai | 33 |
| Hyderabad | 19 |
| Kolkata | 10 |
By Thursday, the situation worsened further:
- Bengaluru Airport: 73 flights cancelled on December 4.
- Hyderabad Airport: 33 outbound flights cancelled, plus 35 incoming flights disrupted.
Why are IndiGo flights being cancelled?
The airline cited “unforeseen operational challenges” and apologised to passengers. However, sources revealed the real issue: a severe crew shortage triggered by the second phase of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms.
FDTL rules, introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), restrict the number of hours pilots and cabin crew can work to ensure safety. While these rules protect staff from fatigue, they have forced airlines to adjust rosters, leading to fewer available crew members per shift.
IndiGo, which operates around 2,300 flights daily, has struggled to adapt quickly. Crew rostering issues and baggage system glitches worsened the crisis, resulting in cascading delays and cancellations across the network.
Passenger ordeal: Chaos at airports
At Delhi’s IGI Airport, passengers reported waiting for hours without clear updates. In Bengaluru, travellers complained of last-minute cancellations and poor communication. Mumbai saw similar scenes, with families stranded overnight.
Many passengers took to Twitter (X) and Facebook to vent their frustration. Some shared videos of heated arguments with staff, while others demanded refunds and compensation. Travel forums like Reddit and Quora also saw a surge in posts from stranded passengers seeking advice.
IndiGo’s response: “Calibrated adjustments”
IndiGo issued a statement apologising for the inconvenience and promised “calibrated adjustments” to stabilise operations within 48 hours. The airline warned passengers to brace for further cancellations through Friday.
Industry experts say the disruption highlights the challenges airlines face in balancing safety regulations with operational efficiency. While IndiGo has the largest fleet in India, even minor crew shortages can ripple across its vast network.
What passengers should know
If you’re flying with IndiGo this week, here are some key points:
- Check flight status: Use the IndiGo official website or mobile app before heading to the airport.
- Arrive early: Expect longer queues at check-in and security.
- Prepare for delays: Carry essentials like snacks, water, and chargers.
- Refunds & rescheduling: IndiGo has offered free rescheduling for affected passengers. Contact customer care for details.
Broader impact on Indian aviation
This disruption comes at a time when Indian aviation is already under pressure. Rising passenger demand, festive travel, and stricter DGCA rules have stretched airlines thin. Other carriers like Air India and SpiceJet are also facing operational challenges, though not at the same scale.
Experts warn that unless airlines hire more crew and upgrade rostering systems, similar disruptions could occur again. The DGCA may also need to work closely with airlines to ensure smoother transitions to new safety norms.
Trending queries passengers are asking
- Why are IndiGo flights cancelled today?
- Is my IndiGo flight from Delhi to Mumbai cancelled?
- What are FDTL norms in aviation?
- How to get a refund for cancelled IndiGo flights?
- Which airports are most affected by IndiGo cancellations?
External Links for Readers
- IndiGo Airlines Official Website
- DGCA Flight Duty Time Limitations (Wikipedia)
- Delhi Airport Official Site
- Bengaluru Airport Official Site
- Reddit: r/IndiaTravel
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