A wave of flight cancellations and delays has swept across India, impacting countless travelers and disrupting air travel. IndiGo, the nation's largest airline, has been at the center of the turmoil, canceling over 550 flights on Thursday alone. The disruptions have not been limited to IndiGo, with other carriers also experiencing cancellations and delays as a result of the widespread chaos.

Major airports across the country have been affected, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. On December 4th, 95 flights were cancelled at Delhi airport, 85 at Mumbai airport, 73 at Bengaluru airport, and 68 at Hyderabad airport. Passengers have been left stranded, with some reporting delays of several hours and chaotic scenes at the airports.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the disruptions and has summoned IndiGo officials for a meeting. The airline, however, claimed it was unaware of any investigation by the watchdog.

IndiGo has attributed the cancellations and delays to a combination of factors, including crew shortages, minor technology glitches, schedule changes linked to the winter season, adverse weather conditions, and the implementation of updated crew rostering rules. The new pilot rest rules, implemented in November, have increased rest requirements and reduced night landings, contributing to the crew shortage.

The airline has apologized for the inconvenience caused and has initiated schedule adjustments to restore normal operations over the next 48 hours. IndiGo stated that "unforeseen operational challenges" severely affected its network, and the airline is making all efforts to mitigate the impact of disruptions.

The disruptions have had a ripple effect, impacting not only passengers but also airport operations. IndiGo aircraft occupying parking bays have strained airport capacity, causing delays for other airlines. Several flights of Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet have also been delayed as a result of the IndiGo crisis.

The situation remains fluid, and passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on their flights. While IndiGo aims to restore normalcy in the coming days, the recent chaos highlights the challenges faced by the aviation industry in managing disruptions and ensuring smooth operations.