IndiGo crisis continues: 405 flights cancelled; CEO says full recovery likely by Dec 10–15

New Delhi: IndiGo remains in deep turmoil as the operational crisis entered its fifth day on Saturday, leading to the cancellation of 405 domestic flights across major airports. The disruption, triggered by an unexpected shortage of pilots, has severely affected punctuality and left thousands of passengers stranded nationwide.

Operating nearly 2,300 flights a day with a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo is struggling to stabilise its network. Aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation, warning that the airline’s operations may take several more days to normalise.

Nationwide cancellations bring travel chaos

Airports across India witnessed scenes of confusion, long queues and distraught travellers as flight cancellations mounted.

Delhi’s IGI Airport recorded 86 cancellations. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport saw 109 flights cancelled. Hyderabad’s RGIA reported 69 flight cancellations. Bengaluru’s Kempegowda Airport faced 50 cancellations. Pune Airport reported 42 cancellations, while Chennai Airport saw around 30 flights grounded. Ahmedabad’s SVPI Airport reported 19 cancellations.

Passengers took to social media to express anger over poor communication, lack of assistance and long waits at overcrowded terminals.

IndiGo issues public apology

On Friday night, IndiGo posted an apology on X, acknowledging the “difficult” days travellers have endured. “While this will not get resolved overnight, we assure you that we will do everything in our capacity to help you in the meantime and to bring our operations back to normal at the earliest,” IndiGo said.

The airline said full refunds for cancelled flights would be automatically issued to the original mode of payment.

IndiGo’s CEO also stated that operations are expected to return to full strength between December 10 and 15, but IndiGo cautioned that recovery will be gradual given the airline’s massive scale.

As cancellations continue, passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.