A wave of flight cancellations and delays has hit IndiGo, India's largest airline, causing significant disruption for passengers across the country. On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at least 150 IndiGo flights were cancelled due to what the airline described as "technical glitches and operational issues". Reports indicate that 33 flights were cancelled in Mumbai and 67 in Delhi. Overall, over 300 flights have been cancelled nationwide over Tuesday and Wednesday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken cognizance of the matter and has summoned IndiGo officials for an urgent meeting to explain the disruptions and present a mitigation plan.
The DGCA is currently investigating the situation and evaluating measures with the airline to reduce cancellations and delays to minimize passenger inconvenience. IndiGo has been asked to report to DGCA headquarters to present the facts leading to the current situation, along with plans to mitigate the ongoing delays and cancellations.
Data reveals that IndiGo cancelled 1,232 flights in November, with a significant portion, 61%, attributed to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL). The DGCA's revised FDTL rules, which enforce stricter rest norms for pilots, entered their second and final phase on November 1, potentially contributing to the recent disruptions. These rules aim to address concerns about pilot fatigue but have seemingly led to crew shortages for IndiGo.
IndiGo, which operates over 2,300 flights daily, has seen its on-time performance plummet. On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, their on-time performance slumped to 35%, the lowest among all scheduled airlines in India. The airline has initiated "calibrated adjustments" to its schedules, effectively cancelling a portion of flights over the next two days to normalize operations. IndiGo has attributed the cancellations and delays to a combination of factors, including minor glitches, adverse weather, airport congestion, and the implementation of FDTL rules.
Passengers have faced significant inconvenience, with some delays stretching up to 10 hours. The disruption has also led to a surge in airfares. The DGCA has expressed concern about the inconvenience caused to passengers and is working with IndiGo to identify steps necessary to minimize disruptions and prevent recurrence. The aviation authority is also investigating whether IndiGo was adequately prepared for the implementation of the revised FDTL norms.
As the situation unfolds, passengers are advised to check their flight status and contact IndiGo for updates and assistance. The DGCA's investigation and the airline's mitigation efforts will be crucial in restoring normalcy and minimizing further disruption to air travel.
