IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has faced a major operational disruption over the past two days, cancelling more than 100 flights across key airports including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Passengers were left frustrated as delays stretched for hours, with some forced to stay overnight at airports. The sudden cancellations have triggered widespread inconvenience, particularly affecting families, elderly travellers, and those with connecting flights.
The airline has pointed to multiple reasons behind the disruption. While minor technical issues, busy airports, and winter schedule adjustments played a role, the primary cause has been the implementation of updated crew-rest rules under the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), introduced on November 1. These rules mandate longer rest periods for pilots and cabin crew between flights, limiting night schedules and requiring extended breaks. While designed to ensure safety, the rules have created an acute shortage of available crew, forcing IndiGo to cancel and reschedule flights on short notice.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stepped in, summoning IndiGo officials to explain the widespread cancellations and demanding a detailed mitigation plan. According to DGCA data, IndiGo cancelled over 1,200 flights in November alone, with the majority attributed to crew shortages and FDTL compliance. Other reasons included airspace restrictions, ATC delays, and technical issues. The regulator has emphasised that passenger safety and minimal disruption must remain a priority.
IndiGo has assured passengers that it is working round the clock to stabilise operations. The airline is implementing “calibrated schedule adjustments” over the next 48 hours to bring flights back on track. Passengers are urged to check the latest flight status before leaving for airports and to use official channels for rebooking, refunds, or support.
The recent disruptions highlight the delicate balance airlines must maintain between operational efficiency and safety regulations. While the new crew-rest norms are intended to protect both passengers and staff, adapting to these changes has proven challenging, leaving travellers caught in the crossfire of scheduling adjustments and regulatory compliance.
