India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has cancelled more than 300 flights since Tuesday, leaving passengers stranded at major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
The airline cited a combination of technical issues, bad weather, and new crew rostering rules for the disruptions. IndiGo said it has made “calibrated adjustments” to its schedule until Friday to stabilize operations.
On Thursday morning, ANI reported:
- 33 flights cancelled in Delhi
- 85 in Mumbai
- 73 in Bengaluru
Frustrated travelers shared their experiences on social media, with videos showing long lines and chaos at airports. Most complaints received IndiGo’s standard response, noting that flight schedules are often affected by factors beyond their control.
The aviation regulator is investigating the disruptions and has asked IndiGo to explain the reasons behind the cancellations.
Since November 1, the airline has faced pilot and crew shortages under the new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules, which reduce flight hours and mandate longer rest. However, the Federation of Indian Pilots said other airlines remain largely unaffected, suggesting the rules are not the only cause.
This crisis affects IndiGo’s reputation, built over two decades on punctuality. A recent survey by LocalCircles found 54% of passengers experienced delays in the past year, signaling a decline in the airline’s reliability.
