IndiGo’s Operations in Turmoil: Four Days of Multiple Cancellations, Delhi Airport Severely Affected

Major airports affected included Mumbai (85 flights), Bengaluru (73), Hyderabad (68), Chennai (31), and Delhi (30)

IndiGo’s operational disruptions continued for a fourth day. It has caused widespread delays across India. Delhi Airport is facing the highest impact. The service disruptions of India's largest airline have triggered chaos among passengers. 

The mass cancellations and delays have now led to over 1,000 cancellations in four days. 

Indigo Flight Delays  

According to Delhi airport officials, 135 IndiGo departures and 90 arrivals were cancelled since morning at the national capital's IGI airport alone. It has made Delhi airport the worst-affected airport in the country.

At Bengaluru Airport, 52 incoming and 50 outgoing IndiGo flights were cancelled on Friday (December 5, 2025). At least 92 flights were scrapped throughout the day in Hyderabad. 

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded, many complaining of last-minute notices and a lack of alternate options.

The airline has apologised to customers, saying teams are working with aviation authorities to stabilise operations. Passengers have been urged to check flight status before leaving for the airport.

IndiGo Operational Issues

The issue originated from an operational breakdown that began earlier this week. Initial delays were caused by an Airbus A320 software advisory, which pushed several flights into late-night schedules. The glitch caused a delayed aircraft landing past midnight. 

IndiGo was struggling with a pilot shortage, which resulted in more than 25 flight cancellations daily. 

The FDTL & Key Restrictions 

The issue spiraled into a full-blown crisis once the stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules came into force. The new FDTL rules were aimed at preventing fatigue by increasing mandatory rest for crews and limiting night operations. It has also reduced the number of flights pilots can operate, especially during red-eye hours.

Crew were automatically forced into mandated rest periods - leaving aircraft grounded and schedules collapsing “like dominoes.” The winter schedule, which increased flight frequencies from October 26, only made matters worse.

IndiGo has blamed the crisis on “misjudgment and planning gaps,” acknowledging that actual crew requirements far exceeded its estimates when the FDTL rules were upheld by court order.

Mandatory 48-hour weekly rest, up from 36 hours

Maximum two night landings per week for each pilot. Only two consecutive night duties allowed

Maximum 8 flight hours per day for flights touching the night window. The rules have hit IndiGo hardest as it runs a high-frequency, high-utilisation model with many early-morning and late-night flights.

More Worries for Passengers 

IndiGo has indicated that flight reductions will continue for the next few days as part of a schedule reset. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun inspections and found instances of inadequate passenger-handling arrangements at airports as crowds swelled through terminals.

IndiGo has warned that stabilising operations will take time, and daily cancellations could remain elevated, significantly above normal levels. 

Indigo commands the largest market share in India. Disruption is expected to continue impacting thousands until the airline regains control of its schedule.