India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has faced a mounting operational crisis, with more than 300 flights cancelled since Tuesday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports nationwide. Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, some of the country’s busiest airports, were among the hardest hit.
The airline cited a combination of technical glitches, adverse weather, and new crew rostering rules as factors behind the widespread disruption. IndiGo, which commands over 60% of the domestic market and connects major metros with smaller cities, said it had made “calibrated adjustments” to its schedule until Friday in an effort to stabilise operations.
On Thursday morning, the news agency ANI reported 33 flight cancellations at Delhi, 85 at Mumbai, and 73 at Bengaluru. Videos shared on social media showed frustrated passengers waiting in crowded terminals, while many took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice complaints. Most of the airline’s responses on the platform were standard, noting that “operations are dependent on several factors, some of which are beyond our control and may impact the schedule.”
India’s aviation regulator has reportedly launched an investigation into the disruptions and has requested IndiGo to provide an explanation for the cancellations and delays.
The airline has been dealing with staff shortages since 1 November following the implementation of the new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules. These rules restrict flight hours for pilots and crew and mandate additional rest periods. While media reports linked the cancellations to the FDTL changes, the Federation of Indian Pilots said the disruptions “cannot be attributed” to the new rules, pointing out that other carriers have remained largely unaffected.
This crisis marks a significant blow to IndiGo, which has built a reputation over the past two decades for punctuality and reliable service. However, recent surveys suggest its performance has been slipping. A study by the online community platform LocalCircles found that 54% of passengers reported issues with the airline’s timeliness over the past year.
Industry experts say the current cancellations highlight the vulnerability of airlines with concentrated domestic networks, especially when operational and staffing challenges coincide. IndiGo has assured passengers that it is working to restore normal schedules and minimise inconvenience, while authorities continue to monitor the situation.
The BBC has reached out to IndiGo for further comment.
Passengers affected by the cancellations have been urged to check the airline’s website or contact customer service for updates and rebooking options as IndiGo attempts to manage one of the largest disruptions in its recent history.
