A widespread disruption of IndiGo flights has prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to launch an investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting over 1,200 flights have been affected by cancellations and delays. The regulator has demanded that the airline submit a detailed report explaining the reasons behind the disruptions and outlining measures to mitigate passenger inconvenience.
The situation unfolded over the past two days, with a significant spike in cancellations on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Sources indicate that on Wednesday alone, at least 70 flights were cancelled, impacting major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Some reports suggest the number of cancelled flights on Wednesday could be as high as 200. In addition to cancellations, numerous flights have experienced substantial delays, with some passengers reporting delays of up to 12 hours.
IndiGo has attributed the disruptions to a combination of factors, including "minor technology glitches, schedule changes linked to the winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system and the implementation of updated crew rostering rules (Flight Duty Time Limitations)". The airline acknowledged the significant inconvenience caused to passengers and issued a public apology.
However, industry insiders suggest that the primary cause of the disruptions is a shortage of crew, particularly pilots, exacerbated by the recent implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations. These new regulations, which came into effect in November, impose stricter rest and duty norms for pilots, impacting pilot availability and creating scheduling challenges for the airline. Some sources claim that IndiGo has been appealing to pilots to cancel their sick leave and offering increased pay to those who forego their privilege leave in an attempt to address the shortage.
The DGCA's probe will likely focus on whether IndiGo adequately prepared for the implementation of the new FDTL rules and whether the airline took sufficient measures to prevent the widespread disruptions. The investigation will also assess the airline's performance in terms of passenger communication, re-accommodation of affected passengers, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
The disruptions have led to chaos at airports across the country, with stranded passengers staging protests and expressing their frustration on social media. IndiGo's on-time performance has plummeted, with data indicating that only 35% of its flights departed on time on Tuesday, significantly lower than other major airlines.
IndiGo has stated that it is making "calibrated adjustments" to its schedules over the next 48 hours to restore stability and improve punctuality. The airline has also indicated that it is working to resolve the technology glitches and address the crew shortage. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to contact IndiGo's customer service for assistance with re-scheduling and refunds.
