The fallout from IndiGo’s operational crisis, which resulted from internal rostering failures to cope with new pilot rest rules and acute crew shortages, has triggered decisive government action.
After the airline cancelled over 1,000 flights in a week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) intervened, ordering an immediate 5% reduction in domestic operations, slashing 115 flights from the daily schedule of 2,300.
Meanwhile, IndiGo attempted to reassure customers, announcing it had processed ₹827 crore in refunds and provided 9,500 hotel stays, claiming its operations had achieved 90% on-time recovery.
Crisis Sparks Major Capacity Slash
IndiGo’s operational meltdown began early December, triggered by inadequate preparation for November 1 Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, causing mass cancellations from Delhi (143 flights), Bengaluru (127), Hyderabad (77), and others like Mumbai and Chennai.
DGCA issued show-cause notices to CEO Pieter Elbers and the accountable manager, initially due December 6 but extended after IndiGo cited “complexity” in pinpointing causes. The 5% cut from IndiGo’s 15,014 weekly winter slots reallocates capacity to rivals, aiming to enforce punctuality.
Government capped fares at Rs 7,500 (up to 500 km) to Rs 18,000 (over 1,500 km) amid skyrocketing prices. Minister Naidu clarified issues stemmed from crew planning, not systems, crediting PM Modi’s focus on passengers; IndiGo expects stabilisation by December 10 or February 2026 per pledges.
Scale of Disruptions and Passenger Aid
Over seven days, IndiGo cancelled over 1,000 flights, with OTP plunging to 19.7% at six major airports on December 3 from 35% prior. Delhi saw all departures grounded till midnight on December 5 (235 affected), while nationwide efforts included Rs 827 crore refunds for 7.3 lakh bookings (full by December 15), 4,500 bags delivered (rest in 36 hours), 9,500 hotel rooms, and 10,000 cabs/buses from December 1-7. By December 8, operations rose to 1,800 flights at 90% OTP, up from 75%.
Naidu asserted stringent Civil Aviation Requirements protect stranded travellers. IndiGo’s statement apologised profusely, regretting hardships from the “compounding effect of multiple factors.” Airports warned of ongoing delays, urging status checks.
Regulatory Response and Recovery Claims
DGCA monitored closely, rejecting further extensions post-December 8 deadline. IndiGo requested time, promising detailed responses. Naidu highlighted CEO/management lapses but noted IndiGo’s dominance (60% market share) demands accountability. Sources confirmed cuts target non-disruptive routes, with more possible based on adherence.
Passengers faced chaos, stranded families, business losses, but aid mitigated some pain. Stories of overnight airport vigils humanise the fallout, from Delhi’s piled luggage to Bengaluru’s worst-hit 562 cancellations on December 8. Recovery hinges on crew rostering fixes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
IndiGo’s meltdown exposes aviation’s fragility, burdening everyday travellers with uncertainty over corporate missteps. The Logical Indian condemns lapses harming the public, advocating empathy, dialogue between airlines/regulators, and harmony through proactive planning for coexistence in a mobile nation. True progress demands passenger-first reforms.
