IndiGo, India’s largest domestic airline, is facing an unprecedented operational breakdown, with more than 4,500 flights cancelled in just seven days. Despite government intervention and relief measures, passengers continue to experience severe delays, confusion, and crowding at major airports across the country.
DGCA Issues Show Cause Notice to IndiGo CEO
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show cause notice to the IndiGo CEO, criticizing the airline’s inadequate preparedness for the new crew rostering rules. Authorities have demanded an explanation as the crisis impacts thousands of passengers daily.
IndiGo Flight Cancellations: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Tuesday: Over 150 Cancellations
The first wave of disruptions began, affecting domestic routes.
Wednesday: Nearly 200 Cancellations
On-time performance dropped to 19.7%, signalling deeper operational troubles.
Thursday: 300+ Cancellations
International flights were also affected, escalating the crisis.
Friday: Around 1,600 Cancellations
The worst single-day collapse, creating nationwide chaos for travelers.
Saturday: Around 850 Cancellations
Airports struggled to handle crowds and stranded passengers.
Sunday: Nearly 650 Cancellations
Despite efforts by authorities, delays and disruptions continued.
Monday: Over 300 Cancellations Already
Major airports in Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru began the week with fresh cancellations.
Major Airports Face Severe Disruptions
Delhi Airport
134 flights were cancelled, and Terminal 1 saw rows of unclaimed baggage as passengers scrambled to find their luggage.
Bengaluru Airport
65 arrivals and 62 departures were cancelled, causing heavy crowds and long queues.
Chennai Airport
A total of 77 cancellations added to the chaos for travelers.
Other major airports including Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata also continued to experience operational setbacks, further intensifying nationwide travel disruption.
Passengers Struggle Amid Chaos
Travelers have reported:
• Long delays and crowded terminals
• Poor communication from the airline
• Difficulty rebooking flights
• Hundreds of unclaimed suitcases piling up
• Confusion and frustration due to sudden schedule changes
Many passengers were forced to wait late into the night, trying to secure new travel arrangements or locate missing baggage.
Conclusion: IndiGo Must Implement Urgent Operational Reforms
IndiGo’s weeklong crisis highlights the need for stronger crew management, advanced planning, and better passenger communication. While government intervention offers temporary relief, long-term improvements in IndiGo’s internal operations are essential to prevent similar large-scale disruptions in the future. Travelers are advised to stay updated through official airline channels before heading to the airport.