IndiGo Crisis Deepens as Thousands of Flights Canceled Across India
IndiGo Crisis Deepens as Thousands of Flights Canceled Across India
India's biggest airline grapples with a prolonged disruption as cancellations top 4,500 nationwide; refunds are issued and courts weigh in as travellers scramble.
India's biggest domestic airline is facing its worst-ever operational crisis as cancellations mount across the country, marking a seventh straight day of disruption. Cancellations top 4,500 flights since last Tuesday, leaving thousands stranded and forcing widespread rebooking turmoil. IndiGo says it has been working to restore operations, with on-time performance improving to about 75% on December 7 after a low of 30% two days earlier, and a blanket waiver on cancellations and rescheduling through December 15.
At Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, 112 IndiGo flights were canceled on Monday, including 58 arrivals and 54 departures, pushing the airport's disruption total past 600 since December 3. The airport issued a passenger advisory asking travellers to check latest status with the airline, while stressing that overall operations remained normal and other transport options were available.
Across Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai, disruptions also mounted even as the government and the airline try to stabilise the system. A show-cause notice from the aviation regulator to IndiGo's chief executive has been issued over how the carrier handled new crew rest regulations, while the Supreme Court declined to hear an urgent petition seeking intervention. The court noted that the Centre had already taken cognisance and that, while lakhs of people are affected, the response to the crisis is being managed. The High Court is expected to hear related petitions midweek, as travellers continue to demand clarity and refunds.
Passengers are urged to monitor official advisories, check flight statuses, and keep in mind the Rs 745 crore already issued in refunds as the airline and regulators work to restore normal service. With airports crowded and schedules in flux, the focus now is on transparent communication, rostering reforms, and timely compensation through the ongoing measures.
Cover image source: 112 IndiGo flights cancelled at Hyderabad airport today; total disruptions cross 600 🔗
