IndiGo flight chaos deepens as cancelations surge past 250

After nearly a week of unprecedented flight disruptions, IndiGo's operational meltdown continues to ripple across the country even as the government asserts that normalcy has been restored at airports. Close to 250 flights were cancelled on December 7 alone, adding to the thousands affected since the crisis began.

Aviation regulator DGCA has now issued show-cause notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and Accountable Manager Isidro Porqueras, seeking explanations for what it termed a prolonged disruption with significant passenger impact.

The disruptions triggered by a severe shortage of crew have led to widespread delays, long queues, stranded travelers and mounting public criticism.

The airline’s parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, has set up a Crisis Management Group to monitor recovery efforts. An IndiGo spokesperson said the airline is “doing everything possible” to process refunds and assist affected passengers. Officials added that refunds and baggage return processes are being expedited.

Govt steps in as cancelations mount

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu held what officials described as a “serious high-level review meeting” with IndiGo’s top leadership, including CEO Elbers, alongside senior ministry and DGCA officials. The government later stated that operations at airports have stabilised and necessary passenger support is being provided.

Despite this assurance, the scale of disruptions remains high. Nearly 1,600 flights were canceled on December 5 and more than 800 on December 6, impacting tens of thousands of passengers ahead of the peak holiday season.

Government officials said further action will depend on the findings of an inquiry committee. The ministry has emphasised restoring operational stability as the immediate priority.

IndiGo reports gradual improvement

IndiGo says flight operations are improving. The airline reported operating over 1,650 flights on Saturday and said on-time performance had jumped from a low of 30% during the crisis to around 75%.

The carrier now expects its network to stabilise by December 10, ahead of its earlier estimate.

Regional disruptions continue

While operations have improved in major hubs, disruptions remain acute in smaller airports.

At Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, nine out of 11 scheduled IndiGo flights were cancelled on Sunday, mirroring Saturday’s cancellations. “Only two flights operated as scheduled,” Airport Director K M Nehra said.

As India’s largest carrier battles to contain the fallout, the episode has triggered larger questions about capacity planning, regulatory oversight, and airline accountability. For now, relief remains uneven, and thousands of passengers continue to await clearance—either for takeoff, refunds, or answers.