IndiGo flight cancellations throw India’s air travel into chaos

172

India’s largest airline IndiGo has plunged domestic air travel into disarray after cancelling thousands of flights in early December, according to BBC News coverage. The disruptions have affected travellers nationwide, with major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai bearing the brunt of cancellations.

The crisis stems from crew scheduling and pilot rest rule changes implemented by India’s aviation regulator earlier in 2025. New Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules increased mandatory pilot rest hours and restricted night flying to improve safety, but IndiGo reportedly failed to adjust its rostering effectively, leading to acute shortages of available pilots and repeated flight cancellations.

As cancellations mounted to well over 3,000 flights in just days, passengers were stranded at airports with little communication or assistance, triggering frustration and widespread public criticism. The airline’s once‑strong reputation for punctuality and reliability has suffered amid the turmoil.

In response, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has deployed personnel to monitor IndiGo’s operations and formed oversight teams to assist with recovery efforts. Regulators also issued a show‑cause notice to IndiGo’s CEO and temporarily eased some FDTL provisions to stabilise flight schedules while safety standards remain in focus.

The incident has raised broader questions about fleet planning, roster management, and compliance with safety regulations across Indian aviation. Analysts say the fallout underscores the risks of rapid network expansion without proportional operational support, especially at a time when India’s air traffic volumes are surging.