Tourism Breaking News
The airline continues to face operational challenges arising from new pilot-duty norms, with cancellations, refunds and regulatory action still underway.
IndiGo, India’s largest domestic carrier, is currently navigating one of its most significant operational disruptions, with widespread cancellations and delays reported across major airports. The situation has unfolded following the implementation of revised crew-duty regulations, leading to staffing shortages and prompting regulatory intervention from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). As recovery efforts continue and investigations progress, further developments are expected in the coming days, keeping both passengers and the aviation industry on alert.
What has happened so far
IndiGo has been operating under a prolonged period of disruption over the past week, following its difficulties in adjusting to recently enforced pilot duty-time regulations. The changes have limited crew availability across several routes, triggering widespread cancellations and delays at major airports.
Large portions of the airline’s domestic network experienced schedule interruptions, with airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad reporting cancellation peaks, congested terminals and extended wait times for passengers. The situation has coincided with the peak winter travel season, affecting both leisure and business travellers as well as the tourism movement in several domestic destinations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, citing inadequate preparedness and operational planning. The regulator has sought a detailed explanation on crew deployment, scheduling decisions and contingency arrangements. IndiGo has requested additional time to respond, while continuing to make adjustments to restore normal operations.
Refunds for cancelled flights have been initiated automatically, with the airline advising passengers to check flight status before travel. In the meantime, network restoration remains gradual, and further disruptions are expected until operational capacity is fully stabilised.
Industry observers note that the disruption has highlighted broader concerns regarding airline preparedness and the impact of revised flight duty norms on operational resilience. With IndiGo being the largest domestic carrier, the ongoing situation has also raised questions around market concentration and systemic vulnerability within India’s aviation sector.
Recent updates
8th December — IndiGo Restores Network, Operates Over 1,800 Flights
IndiGo has stated that it is set to operate over 1,800 flights today, reconnecting its full network for the first time since the disruption began. The airline reported an on-time performance of around 90%, compared to approximately 75% the previous day, and said that cancellations have been reduced and communicated to customers in advance.
According to the airline, refunds totalling nearly INR 827 crore have been processed for cancellations up to 15 December, with remaining payments currently underway. IndiGo said that temporary accommodation and transport were arranged for stranded passengers between 1 and 7 December, including around 9,500 hotel rooms and close to 10,000 cabs or buses.
The airline also reported progress in baggage handling, with more than 4,500 bags delivered and remaining items expected to be cleared within the next 36 hours. IndiGo added that it has been assisting over two lakh customers per day across communication channels and advised passengers to check updated flight status before travelling to the airport.
