IndiGo Airlines is grappling with significant operational disruptions, leading to the cancellation of over 300 flights on Sunday, marking the sixth consecutive day of chaos. At Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, 115 flights were cancelled; 112 at Mumbai Airport; 109 in Delhi; 38 in Chennai, and 11 in Amritsar. This follows a staggering total of more than 2,000 cancellations since Tuesday, leaving countless passengers stranded and frustrated.
In response to this extensive crisis, IndiGo has established a Crisis Management Group (CMG) aimed at addressing the operational challenges. The airline states, “We are doing everything possible to handle the situation,” but many travelers report lengthy lines and inadequate assistance at airports.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken a stern stance, issuing a show cause notice to CEO Pieter Elbers, citing “significant lapses in planning, oversight, and resource management.” The DGCA demanded an explanation within 24 hours regarding these failures. In a deeper move to mitigate the fallout, the civil aviation ministry mandated that IndiGo complete refund processes for impacted passengers by 8 PM on Sunday, December 7. Additionally, it has imposed fare caps on domestic flights to control skyrocketing prices stemming from the crisis, with limits ranging from ₹7,500 for flights under 500 km to ₹18,000 for those over 1,500 km.
Passenger frustrations have skyrocketed, as many have been left without clear communication or timely solutions. “I’ve been stranded here for hours, with no updates on my flight,” lamented a passenger at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, echoing sentiments shared by many others across major hubs.
The operational disruption is attributed to the transition to new flight duty and rest period regulations for pilots, a change that has exacerbated staffing shortages. However, the airline recently secured temporary relief from the DGCA, allowing pilots to complete six landings per night, a move that aims to alleviate some immediate strain.
On Saturday, IndiGo managed to operate 1,500 flights, claiming over 95% of its network connectivity has been reestablished. The airline has reiterated its commitment to restoring a sense of normalcy and rebuilding passenger trust during this challenging period.
Meanwhile, the Northeast Frontier Railway has announced a series of special trains to accommodate stranded passengers, including routes from Dibrugarh to New Delhi and Guwahati to Howrah.
As the crisis unfolds, the DGCA has also initiated an inquiry into the series of disruptions to enhance operational resilience and prevent future incidents. Composed of leading officials from the DGCA, this four-member committee will investigate the airline’s crew planning and compliance with regulatory measures, with recommendations expected within 15 days.
IndiGo’s current plight serves as a stark reminder of the complexities within air travel operations, where the failure to adapt to regulatory changes can have widespread ramifications. As the situation develops, both passengers and the aviation industry are watching closely, hoping for swift solutions and a return to reliability in air travel.
Original Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indigo-flight-status-cancellations-live-updates-crisis-dgca-news-ceo-crew-pilot-airports-refunds-101765069010528.html
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Publish Date: 2025-12-07 13:12:00
