Widespread chaos unfolded across major airports after IndiGo cancelled at least 85 flights — 38 in Delhi and 33 in Mumbai — and delayed many more, leaving thousands of passengers stranded for hours. Videos circulating online showed irate travellers confronting airline staff, with many venting their frustration on social media and tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. Several users complained of being stuck for over seven hours without clear communication, with some describing the situation as “absolute chaos” and demanding an investigation.
IndiGo issued an apology acknowledging that operations across its network had been “significantly disrupted” for two consecutive days. According to internal sources, the airline is grappling with multiple factors, but the most critical is the new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regime introduced in November. The revised rules have altered pilot rosters, sharply reducing pilot availability and creating a manpower crunch. The strain on resources has worsened during the winter season, when passenger traffic traditionally increases.
The airline is also dealing with a series of compounding issues. Minor technological glitches have delayed passenger boarding processes, while weather-related disruptions, congestion in the aviation system and schedule changes associated with winter operations have added to the complications. IndiGo’s statement described these as a “multitude of unforeseen operational challenges” that collectively triggered the large-scale disruption.
Efforts are being made to stabilise operations, with the airline working to address system failures and maintain schedule discipline. However, crew shortages — particularly among pilots — remain the most serious bottleneck, and operational recovery is expected to take time even as the carrier prioritises minimising inconvenience for travellers.
