A severe operational crisis is unfolding at IndiGo, leading to a cascade of flight cancellations and delays across the country. On Thursday, more than 550 IndiGo flights were cancelled, severely disrupting travel plans for a vast number of passengers. The Civil Aviation Ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have stepped in, holding crucial meetings with the airline’s top management.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has directly addressed IndiGo, urging them to prevent any surge in airfares during this challenging period. The Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the airline’s handling of the situation, highlighting that sufficient time should have been allocated for adjusting to revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and other operational changes. The Ministry is actively engaged in oversight, ensuring passenger welfare and the swift restoration of normal flight services.
IndiGo has cited crew scheduling complexities and the new FDTL regulations as primary causes for the widespread cancellations. The airline plans to reduce flight operations from December 8th and estimates that a complete return to stable operations will not occur until February 10, 2026. The DGCA is demanding a detailed plan from IndiGo outlining strategies for crew expansion, aircraft integration, training programs, and safety protocols to address these ongoing issues and prevent future disruptions.