IndiGo’s operational crisis deepened on Friday as the airline entered its third straight day of severe disruptions. Passengers across major airports faced delays, cancellations, and long waiting hours as the situation worsened.
Massive Cancellations Across India
Reports suggest the airline cancelled more than 750 flights nationwide. This came after over 550 flights were cancelled the previous day, creating widespread confusion for travellers.
Major Hubs Hit Hard
Key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad saw major disruptions. Thousands of passengers were stranded as airport staff scrambled to manage the chaos.
Delhi Worst Affected
Delhi took the biggest hit, with all 235 IndiGo flights cancelled until midnight. Mumbai faced 104 cancellations, Bengaluru saw over 100 combined cancellations, and Hyderabad recorded more than 130 affected flights.
Crew Shortage and Parking Issues
Airports across the country reported crew shortages and congested parking bays as major causes for delays. At Pune, several IndiGo aircraft remained grounded due to unavailable crew, triggering a ripple effect on other carriers.
More Airports Report Troubles
Chennai airport confirmed that disruptions would continue until 6 pm. Srinagar, Jammu, Jaipur, Patna, and Chandigarh also reported significant delays and cancellations throughout the day.
Reasons Behind the Crisis
IndiGo said the situation was caused by a pilot shortage worsened by winter schedule pressure and stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations rules. The airline has asked for partial relaxation of norms to bring stability.
Questions Over Operational Preparedness
While operational challenges are common, the scale of disruption has raised concerns about IndiGo’s readiness and ability to manage regulatory changes. Many passengers continue to await clarity and smoother operations in the coming days.
