IndiGo Flight Chaos Strikes Major Indian Airports: Over Five Hundred Flights Canceled in Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, and Bangalore – Passengers Left Stranded

Published on December 5, 2025

IndiGo, one of India’s largest airlines, is grappling with an unprecedented crisis, as over 500 flights have been cancelled, causing chaos at airports across the country. The operational disruption has severely affected major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Bangalore, leaving passengers stranded without luggage, food, or adequate support. Travelers have faced prolonged waiting times of up to 14 hours, with some forced to sleep on airport floors due to the airline’s inability to handle the surge of delays and cancellations. The airline is blaming staff shortages, operational mismanagement, and poor planning, with its CEO acknowledging the challenges in restoring normal flight operations. Amid these struggles, passengers have expressed their frustration with the lack of communication from IndiGo’s staff and the absence of basic amenities during their extended wait.

Unprecedented Flight Cancellations Across Indian Airports

The last few days have witnessed a shocking rise in flight cancellations by IndiGo, one of the country’s most trusted low-cost carriers. Over 500 flights were cancelled in a span of just 48 hours, stranding thousands of passengers at major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Passengers were left in the lurch, with many experiencing a complete breakdown of services at the airports.

At Delhi Airport, travelers were seen waiting for hours, with no clear answers from the airline staff. Thousands of unclaimed suitcases piled up, further adding to the frustration. The scene at Hyderabad was equally chaotic, where passengers endured long delays with no food, water, or accommodation provided.

Staffing Shortages and Operational Failures

IndiGo has attributed the mass cancellations to staffing issues, particularly a shortage of cabin crew. The airline admitted that it miscalculated the number of crew members required under new aviation regulations, which was exacerbated by congestion at airports and adverse weather conditions.

Despite its efforts to address these issues, IndiGo’s management was unable to stabilise operations, resulting in even more cancellations across the network. Passengers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the airline’s lack of proactive communication. In many cases, delays were only updated in the final hour, leading to confusion and distress among travelers.

Stranded Passengers Face Harrowing Conditions

Passengers at Goa and Bangalore airports were seen shouting in frustration as they had no clarity on the status of their flights. Some had been waiting for over 12 hours, with no assistance from IndiGo staff. Passengers described the situation as “mental torture,” with many complaining that they were not given food vouchers, and water was scarce.

Reports from travelers indicated that older passengers and families with children were the worst affected by the lack of support. They were forced to wait without proper shelter, as they were left without any updates or guidance on how to proceed.

One passenger, who was on his way to a family wedding, shared that his luggage was still unaccounted for after more than 12 hours, and there was no communication regarding its whereabouts. IndiGo’s lack of coordination and ineffective crisis management made the situation even worse.

IndiGo’s Response and Apology

In response to the widespread frustration, IndiGo issued an official apology for the disruption and promised to resolve the situation. The airline acknowledged the poor handling of passenger queries and explained that it was working with airport authorities to manage the backlog of cancellations and get operations back on track.

However, IndiGo officials have warned that the situation may not improve immediately, and some cancellations are expected to continue for the next few days. As part of their strategy to restore normalcy, IndiGo has reduced its flight operations temporarily, hoping to stabilise the situation.

What Should Travelers Do?

If you are an IndiGo passenger stranded due to cancellations, here are a few tips on how to deal with the situation:

• Stay updated: Keep an eye on IndiGo’s official website or app for the latest updates on your flight status. Many cancellations occur at the last minute, so frequent checks are necessary.
• Contact IndiGo staff: Even though communication has been poor, make sure you approach staff to get information on rebooking options or alternative flights. If staff is unavailable, consider escalating the issue to airport authorities.
• Know your rights: Under Indian aviation regulations, you are entitled to compensation for long delays or cancellations, including food, accommodation, and rebooking on another flight if necessary. Make sure to keep receipts for any expenses incurred.
• Stay calm: Although the situation is frustrating, try to stay calm and avoid confrontation. Airport staff and IndiGo personnel are also dealing with an overwhelming number of passengers.

Impact on the Aviation Industry

The widespread disruptions at IndiGo not only affected passengers but also the reputation of the airline. As one of India’s largest carriers, IndiGo has long been known for its efficient services. However, this operational failure highlights serious gaps in its management system.

This incident may also impact the aviation sector’s image, as IndiGo is a critical player in India’s low-cost carrier market. With domestic air travel seeing growth, such widespread operational failures could set a worrying precedent for other airlines.

The Road to Recovery

IndiGo is working hard to resolve the backlog of cancellations and ensure that affected passengers are rebooked as quickly as possible. CEO Pieter Elbers has recognised the difficulty in restoring normal operations, given the scale of the disruption.

In the coming days, IndiGo will attempt to stabilise its services by reducing its flight schedules, hoping to reduce delays and enhance customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

The IndiGo crisis serves as a reminder that even the most trusted airlines are not immune to operational failures. Passengers must remain vigilant and prepared when traveling with IndiGo or any airline facing internal challenges. The airline’s efforts to improve communication and customer service will be crucial in retaining passenger loyalty moving forward.