Over 600 IndiGo flights cancelled in two days as operational chaos triggers major delays

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has been facing one of its worst operational crises, resulting in more than 600 flight cancellations within just two days. Tens of thousands of passengers across the country have been affected, with many left stranded at airports, waiting for hours for updates. The disruptions have also caused long queues, crowding, and frustration among travellers.

According to official reports, more than 400 cancellations took place on Thursday alone. This was in addition to the large number of cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday. The situation has caused widespread inconvenience, as passengers struggled to rearrange travel plans or find alternative flights at short notice. The airline has admitted that “misjudgment and planning gaps” were responsible for this large-scale disruption.

The on-time performance of IndiGo, which normally stays among the best in the aviation sector, has fallen sharply. On Wednesday, the airline recorded an on-time performance of only 19.7%, significantly lower than the 35% on Tuesday. Such low punctuality figures are extremely unusual for IndiGo, which usually prides itself on reliable schedules and smooth operations.

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu held a review meeting with IndiGo and officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to understand the reasons behind the collapse in operations. During this meeting, IndiGo reportedly sought time until February 10, 2026, to fully restore normal operations. The airline stated that efforts were already underway to reduce delays and stabilise flight schedules, with support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and airport operators.

Airport officials across major cities reported high numbers of cancellations and delays. Bengaluru airport saw at least 99 cancellations, Hyderabad recorded 79, Delhi had around 150, and Mumbai reported 118 cancellations on Thursday. These numbers came after about 150 cancellations on Wednesday and large-scale disruptions on Tuesday. Airports were flooded with confused passengers who were unsure about when they would be able to travel.

Sources told PTI that IndiGo cancelled more than 550 domestic and international flights on Thursday alone. In many airports, real-time information boards were filled with cancellation notices. Passengers with connecting flights and international travel plans faced additional difficulties, as they were forced to rebook tickets or wait for long hours for new flight arrangements.

DGCA teams inspecting Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport found that IndiGo had “inadequate” passenger-handling staff on duty. This shortage added to the chaos, as staff were unable to efficiently manage the huge crowds. Long lines formed at check-in counters, boarding gates, and customer service desks. Passengers expressed anger and concern on social media, sharing images of overcrowded terminals and long waits.

IndiGo issued an apology for the second consecutive day, stating that its teams were working hard to resolve the situation. The airline said it was making every effort to reduce the effects of cascading delays and restore normal operations as quickly as possible. At the same time, the airline acknowledged that more disruptions could occur over the next few days as it works to fix scheduling issues.

One of the main reasons behind the disruptions is related to Phase 2 of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, which regulate the duty hours of pilots and crew members. The DGCA said in a statement that the disruptions were caused by “misjudgment and planning gaps” during the implementation of this phase. IndiGo reportedly underestimated the number of pilots it would need to operate flights under the new rules, resulting in a major shortage and eventual cancellations.

As a result, the airline approached aviation regulators to request temporary relief from some rules that limit pilot duty hours at night. IndiGo said that such relief would help them manage schedules better and reduce cancellations. However, the DGCA has not yet confirmed whether it will grant the request.

IndiGo also stated that more cancellations would take place over the next two to three days. This would be part of its plan to streamline schedules and stabilise operations. The airline is also preparing to reduce the number of flights starting from December 8 to ensure better management of crew and aircraft.

Passengers across India have been calling for clear communication and timely updates, as many were left without proper information during the disruptions. Airlines are required to offer options such as refunds, alternate flights, or accommodation depending on the length and nature of the delay. As the chaos continues, many passengers hope that IndiGo will improve its coordination and provide more predictable schedules.

The ongoing crisis highlights the challenges faced by the aviation industry, where even minor miscalculations can lead to widespread disruptions affecting thousands at once. IndiGo’s current situation serves as a reminder of the importance of proper staffing, planning, and adherence to safety regulations.

For now, the airline has assured that it is working with all relevant authorities to resolve operational issues. Passengers may still see delays or cancellations for a few more days, but IndiGo hopes to gradually restore confidence by improving its performance and stabilising schedules in the coming weeks.