IndiGo Steadily Resumes Flight Operations at Delhi Airport After Massive Disruptions With Over 1,000 Cancellations, Full Recovery Expected By Mid-December: Here’s The Latest Update

Published on December 6, 2025

IndiGo has gradually resumed operations at Delhi Airport following significant disruptions that resulted in over 1,000 flight cancellations. Due to crew shortages and recent regulatory changes, the airline encountered serious difficulties that resulted in numerous delays and cancellations. However, IndiGo is working toward a complete recovery with steps taken to stabilize staffing and a temporary exemption granted by aviation authorities. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before departing, as the airline anticipates resuming regular operations by the middle of December. Here is the most recent information regarding the ongoing healing process.

In the wake of significant flight disruptions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, IndiGo has announced that its flight operations are steadily resuming following the extensive cancellations that affected over 1,000 flights on Friday. The airline has assured passengers that normalcy is being restored, though travelers are advised to confirm the status of their flights before heading to the airport.

The Delhi Airport advisory emphasized that while flight operations were severely impacted on December 5, they have since been stabilizing. Passengers have been encouraged to check their booking status regularly to avoid unnecessary delays. The advisory also noted that despite the challenges, the airline is gradually overcoming the disruptions, with operations expected to fully normalize by mid-December.

On December 5, IndiGo faced its most difficult day of the disruption, with over 1,000 flight cancellations. The airline cited issues related to pilot staffing and the implementation of new regulations as the root cause of the operational chaos. As one of India’s largest airlines, IndiGo’s cancellation crisis sparked widespread concern, affecting both domestic and international travelers.

The disruptions were partly due to the airline’s struggle with a new regulatory framework set forth by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which introduced new flight duty time limitations (FDTL) for pilots. These regulations, effective from November 1, required airlines to adjust their operations to ensure the safety of flight crews by regulating their duty hours and rest periods. While most airlines, including Air India and SpiceJet, adapted to the new guidelines, IndiGo faced significant challenges in managing crew schedules, leading to the widespread cancellations.

In response to the crisis, IndiGo has worked closely with the DGCA to address the issues and stabilize its operations. The airline was granted a one-time exemption from certain night-duty regulations to help alleviate staffing shortages and reduce passenger disruptions. This exemption allows IndiGo to bypass the strict rules governing pilot rest periods, specifically for night shifts between 0000 and 0650 hours. The DGCA’s decision aims to ensure that flight operations can continue smoothly until a permanent solution is implemented.

However, the decision to grant this exemption has been met with mixed reactions. While the DGCA has justified the move as necessary for the stability of IndiGo’s operations, some aviation experts and pilot associations have raised concerns. Critics argue that the exemption sets a concerning precedent, potentially compromising safety standards and undermining the integrity of flight duty time regulations that are designed to protect both pilots and passengers.

The DGCA has also temporarily relaxed restrictions on pilot leave, which had previously been counted as part of weekly rest time. This adjustment was made to allow the airline greater flexibility in managing its crew and reducing operational delays. IndiGo, which commands a significant market share in India’s domestic aviation sector, is working towards resolving its staffing issues and avoiding further cancellations.

The airline’s troubles have also sparked debate in India’s Parliament, with several lawmakers questioning the implications of IndiGo’s dominance in the domestic market. IndiGo’s near-63% market share has raised concerns about the airline’s ability to manage such disruptions without jeopardizing the travel experience for millions of passengers. Some industry analysts have warned that a lack of competition and an over-reliance on one dominant player could result in a monopoly-like situation, further complicating the industry’s recovery from the current crisis.

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed airlines to implement measures that will prevent future disruptions and ensure timely refunds for affected passengers. The government is also expected to closely monitor the progress of IndiGo’s recovery and evaluate whether the temporary regulatory changes are sufficient to maintain a safe and efficient flight schedule.

As the airline continues to recover from the setbacks, travelers are advised to remain updated on flight schedules, particularly during the busy holiday season. Passengers who were affected by cancellations have been encouraged to contact IndiGo’s customer service for assistance with rebooking and refunds. While the airline has promised to return to full capacity by December 10-15, it remains to be seen how the long-term impact of the disruptions will affect consumer confidence.

The disruption at Delhi Airport has underscored the challenges that India’s aviation sector faces in adapting to new regulations and managing its workforce effectively. As airlines like IndiGo work to recover from the operational setbacks, the industry must consider how to strike a balance between ensuring passenger safety and maintaining reliable service in the face of evolving regulatory demands.

For travelers, staying informed and flexible remains key as India’s largest airline works to stabilize its flight operations. While IndiGo has promised that normalcy will return in the coming weeks, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of managing flight schedules and the vital importance of regulatory oversight to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations across the aviation sector.

IndiGo has steadily resumed flight operations at Delhi Airport after over 1,000 cancellations caused by crew shortages and new regulatory changes. Full recovery is expected by mid-December as the airline works to stabilize its services.

IndiGo’s recent flight disruptions at Delhi Airport have highlighted the critical role that regulatory compliance and effective workforce management play in ensuring smooth airline operations. With its dominant market share and the recent adjustments made by the DGCA, the airline is working diligently to regain passengers’ trust and restore its services to full capacity. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status as IndiGo works to resolve its operational challenges and avoid further disruptions.