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Mass flight cancellations strand thousands nationwide
India's largest airline, IndiGo, has canceled more than 300 flights since Tuesday, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers at major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Airlines cites multiple factors for disruptions
IndiGo attributed the cancellations to a combination of technical issues, adverse weather conditions, and new crew rostering regulations. The carrier, which holds over 60% of India's domestic market, operates extensive routes connecting major cities and smaller towns.
In a statement, the airline announced "calibrated adjustments" to its schedule through Friday to restore stability to its operations.
Airports report widespread cancellations
By Thursday morning, ANI news agency reported 33 IndiGo flights canceled at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, 85 at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and 73 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport.
Passengers expressed frustration on social media, with videos of crowded terminals and long queues circulating on X (formerly Twitter). Many users shared complaints, most of which received a standardized response from the airline: "Our operations are dependent on several factors, some of which are beyond our control and may impact the schedule."
Regulator steps in amid pilot shortage concerns
India's aviation regulator is investigating the disruptions and has requested IndiGo provide an explanation for the cancellations and delays, according to reports.
Since November 1, the airline has grappled with pilot and crew shortages following the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules. These regulations cap flight hours and mandate additional rest periods for crew members. However, the Federation of Indian Pilots disputed claims that the new rules are solely responsible, noting that other airlines have not experienced comparable disruptions.
Reputation at stake for once-punctual carrier
The ongoing crisis threatens the reputation of the 20-year-old airline, which has long been recognized for its reliability. Recent performance, however, has raised concerns among passengers.
A survey conducted by online community platform LocalCircles found that 54% of IndiGo passengers reported issues with punctuality over the past year.
The BBC has reached out to IndiGo for further comment but has not yet received a response.
