IndiGo turmoil enters Day 3: Over 600 flights cancelled; Civil Aviation Minister pulls up airline

Ziraat Times News Desk

New Delhi, Dec 5: Operational disruptions at IndiGo spiralled into the third consecutive day on Friday, with more than 600 flights cancelled nationwide, compounding the 550-plus cancellations reported on Thursday. Delhi airport alone saw all 235 IndiGo flights cancelled, while operations in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad were also heavily hit, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across major terminals.

IndiGo — India’s largest carrier — attributed the massive disruption to a severe pilot shortage and winter-schedule pressures, adding that full stabilisation of services would only be possible once the airline adapts fully to the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, expected by February 2026. The airline has requested partial relaxation of the revised regulations to ease crew rostering stress.

MoCA Steps In; Minister Chairs High-Level Review Meeting

Taking serious note of the widespread cancellations, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) intervened late Thursday evening. Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu personally chaired a high-level review meeting with IndiGo’s senior management, accompanied by the Civil Aviation Secretary, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), senior ministry officials, and officers from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

IndiGo presented detailed data on cancellations and cited challenges arising from:

• Crew-planning difficulties

• Phased implementation of revised FDTL norms mandated by court orders

• Seasonal weather constraints

The Ministry noted that the new FDTL rules — aimed at improving pilot fatigue management and enhancing safety — were introduced gradually, giving airlines sufficient preparatory time for compliance.

According to the Ministry, Ram Mohan Naidu expressed strong displeasure over IndiGo’s handling of the situation, stressing that such a large-scale breakdown should have been avoided.

He issued several clear directives to the airline:

• Immediate normalisation of operations

• No increase in airfares due to cancellations or capacity shortages

• Advance intimation to passengers regarding any expected cancellations

• Mandatory provision of support services, including hotel accommodation where required

The Minister also asked AAI officials and airport directors to continuously monitor ground situations and extend full support to stranded passengers.

DGCA to Conduct Real-Time Monitoring

The DGCA has been instructed to carry out strict real-time monitoring of IndiGo’s operations. This includes:

• Field inspections at major airports

• Oversight of passenger-handling arrangements

• Ensuring timely communication during delays or cancellations

• Deploying DGCA officers to IndiGo’s operational control centres

Government Assures Full Oversight Until Stability Restored

MoCA said it remains committed to ensuring passenger rights and safety during the ongoing disruption. The Ministry will continue to monitor IndiGo’s operational recovery, passenger support mechanisms, and coordination between airlines, airports, and ATC until full normalcy returns.