India’s aviation sector is experiencing severe operational turmoil as the nation’s largest carrier, IndiGo, has been compelled to cancel hundreds of scheduled flights, including all departures from the capital city of Delhi. This disruption, now entering its fourth consecutive day, has created travel chaos during one of India’s peak travel seasons, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across multiple airports.
The crisis stems from the airline’s failure to adequately adapt to recently implemented crew rostering regulations that mandate increased rest periods and restricted night-duty for pilots. With a dominant 60% market share and operating over 2,000 daily flights nationwide, IndiGo’s operational collapse has exposed significant planning deficiencies in its adaptation strategy.
Government authorities have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the airline’s handling of the situation. The federal aviation minister has conveyed “clear displeasure” while the aviation regulator attributed the disruptions to “misjudgment and planning gaps” in implementing the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules. The regulator has demanded immediate submission of a comprehensive corrective plan addressing crew recruitment, training enhancements, roster restructuring, and safety-risk assessments.
The Airline Pilots Association of India has voiced serious safety concerns, arguing that any regulatory relief for IndiGo would compromise aviation safety standards. Meanwhile, affected passengers have taken to social media to express frustration over inadequate communication and support, with Singapore’s High Commissioner to India among those stranded, causing him to miss a staff member’s wedding.
IndiGo has announced that full operational normalcy may not be restored until February 10th, with reduced flight schedules effective from December 8th to minimize further disruptions. Major airports have issued advisories urging passengers to verify flight status before traveling.