Thousands of Passengers Affected in India as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and More Face 1,067 Delays and 3 Cancellations, Disrupting Air India, IndiGo, and Other Airlines at Major Airports Across the Country

Published on December 12, 2025

In a major disruption for the travel industry, several of India’s busiest airports have faced substantial flight delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of travelers this week. From New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International, flight disruptions have been widespread, causing chaos for passengers across the country.

According to recent data, a staggering 1,067 delays have been reported across multiple airports, with 3 cancellations. These disruptions are raising concerns about the future of air travel in India, especially with peak travel season around the corner. As the holiday travel rush intensifies, passengers are urged to stay informed about ongoing disruptions.

Major Affected Airports and Airlines

At the top of the list, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has recorded the highest number of delays, with a total of 238 delays reported on a single day, representing 22% of all delays across the country. Surprisingly, there was only one cancellation here. Meanwhile, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai also experienced severe delays, with 336 delays and one cancellation.

Other airports like Bengaluru International (98 delays), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International in Kolkata (55 delays), and Chennai International (60 delays) have faced challenges as well. However, it’s the smaller airports like Thiruvananthapuram, Mangalore, and Jaipur that reported the lowest disruptions with only a few delays but no cancellations.

Airline Disruptions

Multiple airlines are involved in these disruptions, with Air India bearing the brunt. The national carrier reported a staggering 22% of all delays, significantly impacting passengers. IndiGo, one of the largest budget carriers in India, followed closely, with 13% of delays recorded. Other airlines such as Air France, SriLankan Airlines, Thai AirAsia, and Air India Express also contributed to the delays across the airports.

The vast majority of delays were caused by operational issues, including unexpected weather conditions, aircraft maintenance, and technical problems. As a result, passengers faced hours of waiting at terminals, with some flights delayed for up to 10 hours, leading to frustration and disappointment.

Unprecedented Delays Impact Domestic and International Flights

The delays have not only impacted domestic flights but also international travel. Airports such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad have been major hubs for international flights, with delays affecting routes to Dubai, London, Frankfurt, and Singapore. Travelers on these flights had to contend with the uncertainty of whether they would make their connections, adding a layer of stress to their travel plans.

This disruption has raised serious concerns among both domestic and international airlines. The unprecedented delays at major hubs like Indira Gandhi International and Chhatrapati Shivaji International have led to logistical nightmares, causing cascading delays across multiple countries, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

What’s Behind the Delays?

Experts have cited a range of reasons behind the wave of delays. The unpredictable weather, including fog and storms, has caused significant delays in airport operations, particularly at Delhi and Mumbai, where visibility is a major issue during the winter months. Operational inefficiencies at some airports, along with the pressure on airlines to meet tight schedules, have added to the problem.

Additionally, there’s an ongoing staffing shortage in the aviation sector, which has exacerbated the situation. The increasing number of passengers, coupled with limited ground crew, has led to slower turnaround times for aircraft, further contributing to delays. These issues have left travelers stranded at airports for hours, and in some cases, overnight.

The Passenger Experience

For passengers, the experience has been far from smooth. Long queues, lack of communication from airline staff, and unavailability of timely information have made navigating these disruptions particularly challenging. In many cases, passengers have been left wondering when their flight will depart, while airport staff struggle to provide real-time updates.

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have been flooded with complaints from frustrated passengers, who are demanding better handling of these disruptions. Many are questioning whether airlines and airports are adequately prepared for the sheer volume of passengers traveling through the country, particularly during the holiday season.

Moving Forward: How Can Travelers Prepare?

As the travel season heats up, it’s essential for travelers to stay proactive. Checking flight statuses regularly, opting for travel insurance, and arriving at the airport well in advance can help mitigate some of the frustrations associated with these delays. Airlines and airport authorities must also step up their communication efforts, providing passengers with timely updates on flight statuses.

Travel experts suggest that India’s aviation infrastructure needs urgent improvements to handle the rising demand for air travel. Whether it’s upgrading baggage handling systems, increasing the number of flights, or ensuring better coordination between airlines and ground staff, steps must be taken to ensure smoother operations moving forward.

Conclusion

While it’s clear that India’s aviation sector is facing a tough time with widespread delays and cancellations, the situation also underscores the need for improved airport infrastructure and better management practices. As travel disruptions continue to affect thousands of passengers, airlines and airport authorities will need to adapt quickly to minimize the impact on travelers. With the peak travel season fast approaching, we can only hope that improvements are made, allowing passengers to travel with greater peace of mind.