IndiGo’s Massive Flight Disruption With Over 300 Flights Cancelled Across Bengaluru, Delhi And Hyderabad Airports Amid Staffing Shortage

Published on December 5, 2025

IndiGo’s Flight Cancellations Continue to Disrupt India’s Air Travel Amid Crew Shortage and Operational Challenges

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has been at the center of ongoing air travel chaos for the third consecutive day, with the carrier cancelling more than 300 flights on Thursday alone, compounding issues that have left thousands of passengers stranded across the country’s busiest airports. The cancellations have affected both domestic and international routes, significantly disrupting travel plans at major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.

Widespread Cancellations Across Major Airports

At least 95 flights were cancelled at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, 85 at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, 70 at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, and 50 at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore. Other airports around the country have also seen cancellations, further adding to the turmoil. The ongoing disruptions have left travelers in limbo, with many flights delayed and passengers unsure of when they would be able to board their next flight.

On Wednesday, the situation was similarly grim, with nearly 150 flight cancellations reported across various airports in India. The extensive delays and cancellations have compounded the stress for both travelers and airline staff, with many passengers enduring long hours at the airport without clear information about their flight status.

Root Cause: Crew Shortages and New Regulations

The root cause of the disruptions has been linked to a significant crew shortage at IndiGo, exacerbated by the implementation of new flight duty time regulations that took effect in November. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) introduced the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, which are designed to ensure that pilots have sufficient rest between flights. Under the new rules, pilots are restricted from making landings between midnight and 6 AM and are required to take longer rest periods during the week. While these regulations aim to improve pilot well-being and aviation safety, they have had a severe impact on IndiGo’s operational capacity.

IndiGo has also struggled to balance its staffing levels with its growing flight schedule, as the airline has been unable to fill the gaps left by the reduced number of available crew members. As a result, the airline has been forced to cancel flights at short notice, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.

Airline’s Efforts to Resolve the Situation

To address the growing issue, IndiGo has initiated a series of operational adjustments in an attempt to stabilize its flight schedule over the next 48 hours. The airline has focused on minimizing further cancellations by recalibrating its flight roster and increasing its focus on restoring normal operations. However, it remains unclear when the airline will be able to resume regular schedules without significant disruptions.

An IndiGo spokesperson addressed the ongoing challenges, acknowledging the combined impact of unforeseen operational factors, including minor technical glitches, winter schedule changes, adverse weather conditions, and an overloaded aviation system. The spokesperson added that the implementation of the new crew rostering regulations has been a contributing factor to the difficulties, but emphasized that the airline was working hard to recover.

Financial Impact on IndiGo’s Parent Company

The disruptions have also affected IndiGo’s financial performance. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, fell by more than 3% in afternoon trading on Thursday, reaching a low of Rs 5,417.90 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). For the week, the company’s stock price has dropped by 6%, reflecting investor concerns over the ongoing operational challenges faced by the airline. Despite the airline’s efforts to restore normalcy, the financial fallout from the disruptions continues to weigh heavily on its stock performance.

The Role of DGCA in Monitoring the Situation

In response to the disruptions, India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched an investigation into the root causes of the widespread cancellations. The DGCA has instructed IndiGo to submit a detailed report outlining the reasons behind the current flight disruptions and the measures being taken to minimize delays and cancellations. The investigation aims to ensure that the airline addresses the operational challenges and resumes a more reliable service for passengers.

The DGCA has also asked IndiGo to submit a concrete plan to address the crew shortage issue and to ensure compliance with the newly implemented FDTL rules, which have had a significant impact on operations. The investigation underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between passenger safety, crew well-being, and operational efficiency in the airline industry.

The Path Forward: Challenges and Solutions

As IndiGo struggles to cope with the ongoing challenges, the airline’s leadership faces mounting pressure to restore normalcy to its operations. The airline has vowed to resolve the situation, but the disruptions highlight the complexities of managing a large-scale airline, especially when new regulations and staffing shortages intersect. While the DGCA’s investigation continues, it remains to be seen how quickly IndiGo can get back on track and return to its previous operational efficiency.

For now, travelers continue to experience the fallout from the airline’s struggles, as IndiGo works to repair its operations and restore confidence in its ability to manage flight schedules amidst a difficult and evolving situation.