Travel Alert: IndiGo Cancels Over 200 Flights Across India in December 2025

Major Flight Disruptions Hit IndiGo Passengers Across India

India's largest airline IndiGo is facing an unprecedented operational crisis in early December 2025, with over 200 flights cancelled on Wednesday, December 3, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at major airports across the country. The massive disruptions have affected travelers at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai airports, marking one of the worst operational collapses in recent aviation history.

What's Causing the IndiGo Flight Cancellations?

The primary reason behind this travel turmoil is a severe crew shortage exacerbated by new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations. IndiGo recorded an On Time Performance of just 35% on December 2, the worst score among all major airlines in India. The airline cited multiple factors including minor technical glitches, winter schedule adjustments, adverse weather conditions, airport congestion, and the implementation of updated crew rostering rules.

However, sources reveal the core issue stems from inadequate staffing. In November 2025, IndiGo cancelled an enormous 1,232 flights, with more than 61% happening because of crew shortages and new flight duty rules. The revised FDTL norms, mandated by India's aviation regulator DGCA following Delhi High Court directives, require pilots to get minimum weekly rest of 48 hours, up from 36 hours, and severely limit nighttime operations.

Which Airports Are Most Affected?

Bengaluru saw 42 cancellations, Delhi 38, Mumbai 33 and Hyderabad 19, according to airport sources. The cancellations have created a cascading effect across the airline's network, with delayed flights in one city causing cancellations in another, disrupting travel plans for business travelers, holiday-goers, and pilgrims alike.

Routes most impacted include connections between major metros:

• Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad

• Mumbai to Delhi, Goa, and Chennai

• Bengaluru to all major cities

• Hyderabad to Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai

Passenger Reactions and Social Media Outrage

Social media has been flooded with frustrated travelers sharing their experiences. Passengers reported being stranded for hours at airports, with some spending entire nights at terminals waiting for clarity on their flight status. Many complained about last-minute gate changes, inadequate communication from airline staff, and skyrocketing prices for alternative flights.

At Hyderabad airport, Ayyappa devotees reportedly staged protests after experiencing long delays during their pilgrimage travel. The chaos reached its peak on Tuesday night when nearly 1,000 passengers were left stranded inside Delhi's terminal, highlighting the scale of the operational breakdown.

WATCH "Indigo Haye haye" slogans at the airport-

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IndiGo's Response to the Crisis

IndiGo has issued a formal apology and announced "calibrated adjustments" to its schedule for the next 48 hours to normalize operations. The airline is offering affected passengers alternative travel arrangements or full refunds. However, the company has not specified exactly how many flights will be cancelled or rescheduled during this adjustment period.

A spokesperson acknowledged the situation, stating that operations have been significantly disrupted across the network for the past two days. The airline, which operates over 2,200 flights daily, is working to restore stability and improve its punctuality record.

DGCA Investigation and Industry Response

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation and requested IndiGo to submit detailed explanations for the current situation, along with immediate mitigation plans to reduce cancellations and delays.

Pilot unions have criticized IndiGo's staffing practices. The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA) described the disruptions as "a failure of proactive resource planning," while the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) pointed out that other airlines implemented the new FDTL rules smoothly through advance planning.

What Should Travelers Do?

If you have upcoming travel plans with IndiGo, here are essential steps to minimize disruption:

Before Heading to the Airport:

• Check your flight status on IndiGo's official website or app

• Monitor your email and SMS for updates from the airline

• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to handle potential delays

• Have backup travel plans ready

At the Airport:

• Stay calm and patient with airline staff

• Document any delays or cancellations for potential compensation claims

• Ask about alternative flights or full refunds if your flight is cancelled

• Consider travel insurance for future trips during peak season

Alternative Options:

• Check other airlines for available seats on your route

• Consider train or bus travel for shorter distances

• If traveling for urgent business or events, book confirmed alternatives immediately

Impact on India's Aviation Sector

This crisis highlights broader challenges in India's aviation industry as it enters the busy year-end travel season. With international bookings recording 40-45% growth compared to last year and domestic flight interest rising sharply, airlines are under immense pressure to maintain operations while complying with safety regulations.

The incident serves as a stark reminder that cost-cutting measures and lean staffing strategies can backfire dramatically when regulatory requirements change. Other airlines operating in India appear largely unaffected, suggesting that proper planning and adequate staffing can successfully accommodate the new FDTL norms.

Looking Ahead: When Will Operations Normalize?

IndiGo has committed to stabilizing operations within 48 hours through schedule adjustments. However, the airline has not provided a specific timeline for returning to normal service levels. Industry experts suggest that full recovery may take several days as the airline realigns its crew schedules and aircraft positioning across its extensive network.

As India's largest carrier with a significant market share, IndiGo's operational stability is crucial for the country's aviation sector. The coming days will test whether the airline can rebuild passenger trust while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

FAQ

Why is IndiGo cancelling so many flights?

The primary cause is a severe crew shortage triggered by new Flight Duty Time Limitation rules that require pilots to have longer rest periods. Combined with technical issues, weather conditions, and airport congestion, IndiGo's operations have been significantly disrupted.

Which routes are most affected by IndiGo cancellations?

Major metro connections are most impacted, including flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Bengaluru airport has seen the highest number of cancellations with 42 flights affected in a single day.

Can I get a refund if my IndiGo flight is cancelled?

Yes, IndiGo is offering affected passengers either alternative flight options or full refunds. Contact the airline's customer service or check their website for your specific booking.

How can I check my IndiGo flight status?

Visit IndiGo's official website at goindigo.in/check-flightstatus.html or use their mobile app to check real-time flight status before heading to the airport.

Are other Indian airlines also affected?

While other airlines like Air India Express and SpiceJet experienced minor delays, the disruptions are primarily centered on IndiGo operations. Other carriers have largely maintained normal schedules.

Closing Remarks

The IndiGo flight cancellation crisis of December 2025 serves as a critical wake-up call for India's aviation sector. As the busy holiday travel season peaks, passengers deserve reliable service and transparent communication from airlines. While new safety regulations are essential for protecting pilots and travelers, airlines must invest in adequate staffing and operational planning to meet both regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Travelers planning trips in the coming weeks should stay informed, remain flexible, and consider travel insurance to protect against unexpected disruptions during this volatile period.

Travel Safe: Always verify your flight status multiple times before departure, arrive early at airports, and keep alternative travel options ready during peak travel seasons.