Over 1200 Flights Cancelled Records the Worst Situation in History of Indian Aviation and When Will This End, How You Can Gain Compensation from IndiGo and What You Can Do: A Complete Guide

Published on December 5, 2025

In November 2025, India’s largest airline, IndiGo, encountered one of the most significant operational disruptions in recent history. Over 1,200 flights were cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded, especially during peak travel periods. A large portion of these cancellations—750 flights—was attributed to crew shortages and rostering challenges, exacerbated by new regulations introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The airline, known for its extensive network and punctuality, faced mounting pressure after major airports, including those in Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, were overwhelmed with long queues and frustrated travelers. The disruption was particularly notable at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, where 58 IndiGo flights were cancelled within 24 hours from December 3 to 4, 2025. The situation worsened on December 4, with around 180 flights being cancelled nationwide. As a result, IndiGo’s reputation for reliability was called into question.

The Role of DGCA’s New Regulations

The cause of the cancellations can largely be traced to the DGCA’s updated Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and fatigue management guidelines. These new rules, issued after meetings between the DGCA, airlines, and pilot bodies, mandate longer rest periods for pilots and cabin crew, restrict consecutive night duties, and cap maximum duty hours.

The goal behind these regulations is to ensure that airline crew members are well-rested and alert, thereby prioritizing passenger safety. While these regulations were designed to improve safety, IndiGo’s dense flight schedules and high aircraft utilization left little room for error. The airline struggled to comply with the new rules, leading to large-scale cancellations.

What Is IndiGo Doing to Address the Issue?

IndiGo has acknowledged the operational challenges caused by the new guidelines and attributed the disruptions to a combination of factors, including the implementation of updated crew rostering rules, technical glitches, adverse weather, and airspace congestion. The airline stated that it is actively deploying additional standby pilots and making adjustments to its schedules to stabilize operations.

Despite these efforts, the airline insists that these disruptions are temporary and do not reflect systemic failures. IndiGo continues to work closely with regulators, airports, and other stakeholders to regain passenger confidence and ensure that operations are aligned with safety and regulatory standards.

How DGCA is Responding to the Disruptions

The DGCA has expressed concern over the scale of these disruptions and issued a clear directive to IndiGo to address the operational issues proactively. The DGCA’s primary focus is on passenger safety, with the regulator emphasizing that the cancellations cannot be blamed solely on pilot absenteeism. It pointed out that such large-scale disruptions highlight deeper structural issues within the airline’s operations.

To prevent future occurrences, the DGCA has warned that repeat disruptions could lead to serious regulatory consequences, including fines, reduced flight slots, and increased oversight. Furthermore, the regulator stressed the importance of effective communication with passengers during disruptions, ensuring that alternative travel options and ground support are provided to minimize inconvenience.

What Are the Pilots Saying?

Pilot unions, including the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have raised concerns about IndiGo’s lean staffing strategy. They argue that the airline’s high-density flight schedules, combined with minimal crew buffers, have made the operation vulnerable to disruptions, especially during peak travel times.

The unions have urged the DGCA to ensure that airlines are adequately staffed before approving seasonal flight schedules under the new FDTL rules. FIP has warned that if IndiGo fails to address its staffing challenges, the airline could face the reallocation of its slots to other carriers capable of operating more reliably. ALPA echoed these concerns, calling the cancellations a result of poor resource planning, suggesting that the lean staffing strategy must be revisited to avoid such issues in the future.

Why Did IndiGo Face Such a Major Disruption?

One of the central questions arising from this situation is why IndiGo, specifically, faced such widespread cancellations. Unlike smaller carriers, which have a more limited network and can absorb disruptions more easily, IndiGo operates over 2,000 flights daily. The airline’s vast scale, combined with its reliance on high aircraft utilization and lean staffing, left little room for flexibility in absorbing the disruptions caused by the new regulations.

IndiGo’s staffing structure, which is designed for efficiency, became a liability when pilot absenteeism or operational hiccups occurred. With a crew-to-aircraft ratio that left minimal room for unexpected absenteeism, even small disruptions triggered cascading flight cancellations nationwide.

How Can You Get Your Money Back?

If you were affected by one of the recent flight cancellations, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re properly compensated for your disrupted travel plans. According to IndiGo’s guidelines, passengers who were denied boarding due to cancellations or delays can apply for a refund or rebook on the next available flight.

Here’s what you should do if your flight was cancelled or delayed:

1. Check Airline Policies: Review IndiGo’s refund and rebooking policies, which are typically outlined in the terms and conditions of your ticket.
2. Contact the Airline: If you were affected by a cancellation, get in touch with IndiGo’s customer service team. You can do this via their website, through their customer support hotline, or directly at the airport. Make sure to have your booking reference and travel details on hand.
3. Request a Refund or Rebook: IndiGo offers the option to either rebook your flight on the next available flight or request a full refund. If you choose the latter, your refund will typically be processed according to the fare conditions you purchased.
4. File a Complaint with DGCA: If you feel that your compensation was not handled properly, you can file a complaint with the DGCA, which is responsible for ensuring that passenger rights are upheld.

It’s important to act quickly, as compensation processes may take time, especially during periods of high demand or widespread disruptions. Airlines are obligated to ensure that passengers affected by cancellations are provided with timely information and alternative travel arrangements, as per aviation regulations.

What Lies Ahead for India’s Aviation Industry?

The recent disruptions at IndiGo highlight broader challenges facing India’s aviation industry, particularly with the surge in air travel demand. The industry must find a balance between operational efficiency and ensuring that adequate staffing and contingency plans are in place. While IndiGo is working to stabilize its operations and restore confidence, this situation underscores the importance of robust crew planning and operational resilience, especially as the aviation sector continues to grow.

As for travelers, it’s essential to stay informed about your rights and available options during disruptions. While unforeseen operational hurdles can cause frustration, knowing how to navigate them and secure your compensation ensures that your travel experience remains as smooth as possible, even in the face of airline challenges.