Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore: IndiGo’s Struggles with New Crew Rostering Rules Spark Chaos for Travelers

Published on December 4, 2025

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has found itself at the center of a massive travel disruption following the cancellation of over 200 flights on Wednesday. The airline’s schedule was severely impacted, affecting major airports across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. With thousands of passengers left stranded, the scene at these airports turned chaotic, as frustrated travelers were forced to navigate crowded terminals, long queues, and limited assistance.

The flight cancellations came just days after IndiGo had already faced significant disruptions, including the cancellation of over 1,200 flights in November due to a combination of factors, including new crew rostering rules mandated by the government.

The Cause Behind the Chaos

IndiGo attributed the flight cancellations to a mix of issues, with the most prominent factor being the new government-mandated crew rostering regulations. These regulations were implemented to ensure adequate rest for pilots and crew members, thereby preventing fatigue-related incidents. However, the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules have complicated IndiGo’s roster management, especially as the airline was already grappling with a pilot shortage. These new rules were put in place by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to improve safety, but their immediate effect on airline operations has been significant.

As a result, IndiGo’s operational performance, which had previously been above 80%, plummeted to just 35% on Tuesday—the lowest among all Indian airlines.

The airline also cited adverse weather conditions and increased congestion at major airports as contributing factors to the delays and cancellations. However, passengers have voiced frustrations over the lack of information and the unavailability of alternatives as they scrambled for answers from airline staff.

Impact on Travelers: A Growing Crisis

The disruptions at IndiGo flights caused chaos at some of India’s busiest airports. At Delhi Airport, 67 flights were cancelled, while Bangalore saw 62 cancellations, Hyderabad faced 40, and Mumbai saw 33 flights affected. As a result, thousands of passengers were stranded in the terminals, some for hours on end, with many unable to find immediate solutions to their travel plans.

Passengers were seen wandering through terminals, visibly frustrated, and crowded around IndiGo counters in search of answers. Many travelers, particularly those relying on business meetings or international connections, found themselves stuck in a difficult situation. Some travelers expressed concerns about their inability to reach customer care, as phone lines remained busy, and staff were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of queries.

Government Response and Regulatory Actions

In response to the latest round of disruptions, the DGCA, India’s civil aviation regulator, has requested IndiGo to submit a detailed report on the incident. The regulator acknowledged the inconvenience caused to travelers and emphasized that it is working closely with the airline to prevent further disruptions. The DGCA has pledged to review the situation, taking into account the pilot shortages and crew rostering rules that have been affecting the airline’s operations.

The government’s new crew rostering regulations, which aim to reduce pilot fatigue, are at the heart of the current challenges facing IndiGo. The DGCA will likely continue to work with the airline to address the operational issues stemming from the new rules, but it remains to be seen whether these measures will improve on-time performance in the near future.

What This Means for Tourists and Business Travelers

The IndiGo cancellations are not just a headache for the airline but have broader implications for tourism and business travel in India. Tourists, especially those visiting major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, could face delays in their travel plans, leading to missed connections and reduced time spent at destinations. This could affect the tourism sector in India, as many foreign travelers rely on timely flights to make the most of their time in the country.

Business travelers, who rely on on-time flights for meetings, conferences, and international collaborations, will also be heavily impacted by this disruption. The resulting delays and cancellations could affect their ability to attend critical events or finalize business deals, particularly for those traveling between major cities or to international destinations.

Quick Tips for Affected Travelers

If you’re planning to travel with IndiGo in the coming days, it’s essential to stay informed and take proactive steps to avoid the chaos at major airports:

1. Check Your Flight Status Regularly: Always verify flight status using official channels like the IndiGo app or website before heading to the airport.
2. Consider Alternate Routes: If your flight is cancelled, explore other airlines or train services as potential alternatives. Avoid getting stuck at the airport for long periods.
3. Plan for Delays: Allow extra time for your journey, especially if you are traveling during peak hours. Prepare for potential delays in case of further cancellations.
4. Stay Updated with Customer Support: Keep customer service numbers handy and be persistent in seeking information about rebooking or compensation options.
5. Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check whether it covers flight cancellations, delays, and accommodations for extended stays.

Key Points to Remember

• IndiGo cancelled over 200 flights on December 4, leaving passengers stranded at major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
• The disruptions were mainly due to the new government crew rostering regulations, which require better pilot rest periods, alongside weather and congestion issues.
• Passengers have faced significant frustration due to a lack of timely information and overcrowded terminals.
• Tourism and business travel in India have been affected, with delays impacting tourists and corporate travelers.
• DGCA has asked IndiGo for a report, and further investigations will continue to address the operational challenges the airline faces.

Conclusion

The ongoing IndiGo flight cancellations highlight the delicate balance between safety regulations and operational efficiency in the aviation industry. While the new crew rostering rules are designed to prevent fatigue and improve safety, the short-term disruptions have caused significant inconvenience for travelers and businesses. Passengers traveling to or from India should be prepared for delays and take the necessary steps to manage the fallout from these ongoing disruptions. With better communication and alternative routes, travelers can still minimize the impact of these cancellations and continue their journeys with as little hassle as possible.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated