Why Did IndiGo Cancel So Many Flights?

In the past few days, India’s largest low-cost carrier IndiGo has been grappling with widespread delays and cancellations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across major airports. The situation escalated further on Wednesday, with more than 200 flights cancelled and several others significantly delayed. The disruptions continued into Thursday as well.

Airports in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru were among the worst affected, with reports indicating that over 85 flights were cancelled in Mumbai, 40 in Hyderabad, and 42 in Bengaluru. Frustrated passengers were seen arguing with ground staff after being forced to wait for hours without clarity on their travel plans.

What Triggered the Crisis?

The primary reason behind the chaos is a shortage of pilots and cabin crew, an issue that intensified after the DGCA’s stricter Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms came into effect on November 1. Airlines had requested more time to implement the new regulations, as they require hiring and training additional staff an exercise that takes weeks, if not months.

When the Civil Aviation Ministry sought an explanation, IndiGo cited a combination of pilot shortage, winter schedule pressures, and the operational impact of the new FDTL norms. The updated rules emphasize increased rest hours and stricter limits on duty time, adding further strain to existing crew rosters.

IndiGo’s Response

In a detailed letter to the DGCA, IndiGo acknowledged the large-scale disruptions and assured that corrective measures were underway. The airline stated that it aims to restore normal and stable operations by February 10, 2026.

To stabilize the schedule, IndiGo has warned that more cancellations may occur over the next 2–3 days. Starting December 8, the airline will reduce flight operations to ease the load on crew members and minimize further disruption.

As IndiGo works toward rebuilding operational stability, passengers are advised to check flight status regularly and stay updated on revised schedules.

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