IndiGo Flight Cancellations Disrupt Winter Travel in Darjeeling and Bagdogra, Affecting Tourists from Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai – What to Know Before Visiting North Bengal

Published on December 9, 2025

The tourism industry in Darjeeling has taken a significant hit as IndiGo’s flight cancellations have severely impacted the region’s peak tourist season. This winter season, which was initially promising with a full roster of bookings, has been marred by unexpected disruptions. The cancellations of flights from Bagdogra Airport, the gateway to Darjeeling, have left travelers stranded and businesses scrambling to mitigate the effects of the travel chaos.

For the tourism sector in Darjeeling, the winter season typically marks a period of high traffic, particularly from South India and Western India, where travelers flock to the hills to enjoy the pristine winter landscapes. However, this year, IndiGo’s flight disruptions have caused numerous cancellations, shaking up the plans of hundreds of visitors and casting a shadow over what was expected to be a strong tourism period.

The Impact on Darjeeling’s Winter Tourism

This winter was anticipated to be one of the busiest for Darjeeling’s hospitality sector. Hotels, homestays, and trekkers’ huts had been fully booked through January, with Sandakphu — a key trekking hub — also seeing a full house. However, with the cancellations hitting Bagdogra, tourists have been forced to reconsider their travel plans.

IndiGo, which operates daily flights to and from Bagdogra connecting major cities such as Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kolkata, canceled several of its flights on Monday. This left around 1,400 passengers stranded at the airport, creating a bottleneck that extended to other airlines. SpiceJet also suspended its services on the Delhi–Bagdogra–Delhi route, compounding the situation for travelers already affected by IndiGo’s decisions.

The ripple effect has been felt by both local businesses and tourists. Numerous bookings, including group tours and independent travel plans, have been canceled. Among these, two major tour groups, each consisting of over 40 travelers, have had to withdraw from their scheduled trips, adding to the loss of revenue for local operators.

Major Regions Affected by the Disruptions

The cancellation of flights has primarily affected passengers traveling from South India and Western India, regions that traditionally see a large number of tourists during the winter season. The tourist influx from Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai has been drastically reduced, as these cities have strong connections to Darjeeling through Bagdogra Airport.

The impact has been particularly severe in Sandakphu, where local businesses catering to trekkers and mountaineers are already reporting cancellations. Many of the visitors from these regions had been planning treks during the peak period, but now face uncertainty due to the ongoing flight disruptions.

Challenges Faced by Passengers and Airport Authorities

The issue has not been limited to the cancellation of flights. IndiGo’s passengers, including those affected by the flight disruptions to Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, are experiencing significant inconvenience as they are left stranded in Bagdogra. Airport authorities have been working to assist the affected passengers by rebooking flights, but the sheer volume of disrupted travel has stretched resources thin.

The Bagdogra airport director confirmed that the disruptions have continued over several days, leaving nearly 1,400 travelers stranded on Monday alone. The cancellation of several IndiGo flights, along with SpiceJet’s suspension, has added to the chaos, affecting an additional 300 passengers who were left without alternative travel options.

Efforts have been made to rebook passengers and provide them with the necessary support services, but travelers are still facing delays, extended waiting periods, and added uncertainty. For many, the disruption is not just an inconvenience but a significant hindrance to their vacation plans.

What Travelers Can Do Amid the Disruption

For tourists planning to visit Darjeeling and its surrounding areas, here are some travel tips to navigate the current crisis:

• Check flight statuses regularly before departure to ensure that there are no cancellations or delays. IndiGo and other airlines operating from Bagdogra are likely to continue facing operational challenges.
• Plan alternate routes if traveling to Darjeeling. Consider train travel or road trips from nearby cities like Siliguri if flights to Bagdogra are unavailable.
• Stay updated on airport advisories. Airports in Bagdogra and surrounding areas are working closely to provide assistance to affected travelers. Keep in touch with your airline for rebooking options or alternative travel arrangements.
• Contact your accommodation to check the status of bookings and ensure that your plans remain intact despite the disruptions.

Conclusion

The IndiGo flight cancellations have put a dent in Darjeeling’s peak tourism season, leaving travelers frustrated and local businesses feeling the effects of lost revenue. With flight disruptions continuing to affect major routes to Bagdogra, it’s crucial for travelers to stay informed and flexible with their plans. Meanwhile, the tourism industry in Darjeeling hopes that operations will return to normal soon, allowing the region to recover from this setback.