A scene of high-tech heartache unfolded at Gujarat Bhavan in Hubballi after Bengaluru-based software engineers and newlyweds, Medha Kshirsagar and Sangram Das, were forced to attend their own wedding reception virtually via video call on December 3, following the cancellation of their IndiGo flight from Bhubaneswar.
The couple’s trip was derailed amid the airline’s nationwide operational meltdown, triggered by miscalculations while implementing new pilot duty rules, which stranded thousands of passengers.
While their guests gathered at the decked-up venue, the bride and groom, fully dressed in wedding attire, joined the celebration from the airport, a dramatic display of the chaos that has engulfed IndiGo, prompting CEO Pieter Elbers to issue a public apology for over 500 cancellations on December 4 alone.
IndiGo’s Nationwide Meltdown
IndiGo’s crisis erupted from misjudging crew needs under Phase 2 of stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations effective 1 November, causing over 1,232 cancellations in November alone, 62% from crew shortages, escalating to 200+ daily in early December across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Bengaluru saw 73 axings on 4 December, Mumbai 86, amid peak wedding season; the airline, flying 2,200 daily flights with 60% market share, faced tech glitches, weather, and congestion too. DGCA summoned executives, granting temporary night-duty relief as shares dropped 6%.
Couple’s Virtual Vows Heartbreak
Medha and Sangram wed quietly in Bhubaneswar on 23 November with kin before planning Hubballi festivities, booking Bhubaneswar-Bengaluru-Hubballi flights from 2 December that delayed from 9 am Tuesday to 4 am Wednesday cancellation.
Relatives on Bhubaneswar-Mumbai-Hubballi routes fared no better; bride’s parents sat in reserved seats for rituals as 100+ guests watched the screen broadcast. “We felt very bad… impossible to cancel… so couple attended online,” Medha’s mother told NDTV, capturing joy turning to dismay in full wedding garb at the airport.
Airline Woes Ripple Nationwide
IndiGo admitted “planning gaps” in FDTL rollout needing more pilots, cancelling 500+ on Thursday, its worst day in 20 years, with CEO Elbers emailing staff on “accumulation of issues” and promising waivers, hotels, buses till 15 December.
Passengers fumed over 10-hour delays, soaring fares; DGCA confirmed miscalculations post-meetings, expecting cuts till 8 December. Similar tales include Goa weddings postponed at ₹21 lakh loss, underscoring peak-season pain.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Such disruptions mock life’s sacred moments, demanding airlines prioritise flawless service with refunds and aid to heal stranded dreams through empathy. True harmony soars when carriers plan ahead, fostering trust for joyous travels.
