IndiGo flight chaos: Airline says 95 pc network restored, railways step in to clear mess

IndiGo says 95 per cent network restored after major disruptions

IndiGo on Saturday issued a fresh update on the widespread operational disruptions that began earlier in the week, noting a significant increase in the number of flights it managed to run. The airline said it operated more than 1,500 flights during the day, a sharp rise from “little above 700 flights yesterday connecting 113 destinations,” as it worked to stabilise schedules and restore normal operations.

In its statement, IndiGo explained that the large-scale cancellations were intended to “reboot the network, systems, and rosters so that we could start afresh today with higher number of flights, improved stability, and there are some early signs of improvement.” The carrier added that “over 95% of network connectivity has already been re-established,” with operations now covering 135 of its 138 destinations, reported the Hindustan Times.

Acknowledging ongoing challenges, the airline said, “we understand that we have a long way to go, [but] we are committed to build back the trust of our customers.” IndiGo also expressed appreciation for staff, passengers, and government agencies, noting, “We apologise once again.”

Here is the full text of IndiGo's statement:

"Addressing the recent disruptions in our network, we had cancelled a significant number of flights and operated little above 700 flights yesterday connecting 113 destinations. The main objective was to reboot the network, systems, and rosters so that we could start afresh today with higher number of flights, improved stability, and there are some early signs of improvement. Today, we are on our way to operate over 1500 flights by end of day. With regards to destinations, over 95% of network connectivity has already been re-established as we are able to operate to 135 out of the existing 138 destinations in operations.

While we understand that we have a long way to go, we are committed to build back the trust of our customers. We would like to thank all our partners and government agencies for their constant support and guidance. Most of all we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers and staff for their patience and cooperation through these tough times. We apologise once again."

IndiGo Cancellations: Ixigo announces full fee fefunds

Travel platform ixigo announced on Saturday that it will issue full refunds of convenience fees and assured fees to all customers whose IndiGo flights are cancelled by the airline between 3 and 8 December 2025.

The company said the move is intended to ease the inconvenience faced by travellers during the disruption period. In an update shared on X, the platform noted, “We understand how stressful flight disruptions can be,” emphasising that it aims to support affected passengers promptly and transparently. Ixigo further stated that its service teams are working to prioritise user concerns and accelerate the refund process for every eligible booking.

Reassuring its customer base, the company added, “Our team is committed to help ixigoers get quick full refunds and help with alternate bookings,” signalling that it will also assist travellers in securing new travel options wherever possible.

Aviation expert slams IndiGo, Govt for failing passengers amid flight chaos

Aviation expert Harsh Vardhan criticised IndiGo’s handling of its ongoing operational crisis, noting that while the airline may have been unprepared initially, “maybe the first two days they were caught unabashed,” the disruptions have now entered a fifth day.

He said that once the order was withdrawn and kept in abeyance, IndiGo should have drafted a revised schedule and informed passengers well in advance. According to him, “the least IndiGo is expected [to do is]… give information the previous evening, what flights are going to operate the next day, what are going to be cancelled, what are going to be rescheduled," reported ANI.

Vardhan described the current situation as “an ‘only God will help you’ kind of situation,” arguing that passengers are receiving little to no assistance. He added that travellers are being left to navigate the chaos alone, as “they are made to run from pillar to post,” with some even losing money on non-IndiGo connecting flights.

He also questioned the government’s lack of intervention, stating that the Ministry should have urged other airlines to treat the crisis as a national emergency and support affected flyers. Yet, he said, “nothing has been happening here,” with neither IndiGo nor the government taking meaningful steps to resolve passenger grievances.

IndiGo cancels 41 flights at Kolkata Airport amid ongoing crisis

IndiGo Airlines cancelled 41 flights at Kolkata’s N S C Bose International Airport on Saturday, adding to the ongoing disruptions in its network. According to an Airports Authority of India official, the cancellations included 21 incoming flights from various destinations and 20 outgoing services to different cities. The airport had been scheduled to handle 73 arrivals and 102 departures throughout the day.

The disruptions followed a difficult Friday, during which IndiGo cancelled 47 flights at the same airport. Nationwide, the airline scrapped more than 400 flights on Saturday across four major airports. The widespread cancellations came just a day after IndiGo received temporary relief through relaxations in the second phase of court-mandated duty-time and rest requirements for cockpit crew.

(With agency inputs)

Aviation Minister orders IndiGo to trace and return all lost baggage

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Saturday directed IndiGo to prioritise resolving the large number of baggage issues caused by its ongoing cancellations. He said the airline must trace and deliver every bag that was separated from passengers during delays or disrupted flights.

In a post on X, he stated: "The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds without delay and mandated that the refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be fully completed by 8:00 PM on Sunday, 7 December 2025. Ministry has directed IndiGo to ensure that all baggage that was separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays is traced and delivered to the passenger's residential or chosen address within the next 48 hours."

The Ministry also told IndiGo to maintain transparent communication and ensure timely updates as it works to return luggage and stabilise operations.

Govt caps airfares after IndiGo disruptions strain capacity

Amid the extensive disruptions caused by IndiGo’s large-scale flight cancellations, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has invoked its regulatory powers to keep airfare levels fair and reasonable on all affected routes. With thousands of passengers facing uncertainty and reduced seat availability due to IndiGo’s operational issues, the ministry has stepped in to prevent domestic airlines from imposing inflated fares.

Under the directive, no domestic scheduled carrier may exceed the newly mandated pricing caps. For routes up to 500 kilometres, the maximum fare allowed is Rs 7,500. For flights between 500 and 1,000 kilometres, airlines cannot charge more than Rs 12,000. For distances between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres, the highest permissible fare is Rs 15,000.

The ministry’s intervention aims to protect passengers from surge pricing at a time when IndiGo’s cancellations have reduced capacity across the network, ensuring that travel remains reasonably priced until operations stabilise.

IndiGo says flight cancellations fall below 850, recovery underway

IndiGo announced on Saturday that the number of cancelled flights had fallen, stating that the total had dropped to below 850, a noticeable decline compared with Friday, December 5. The airline said the situation was gradually improving as teams worked to stabilise operations after days of widespread disruptions that left thousands of passengers affected across the country.

In its statement, IndiGo noted that efforts were underway to bring cancellations down further, with internal teams coordinating to restore schedules and minimise inconvenience. “We’re continuing to work towards reducing this number progressively over the next few days,” the airline said, indicating that more normal operations are expected as adjustments take effect, reported the Hindustan Times. 

The update comes amid heightened scrutiny from passengers and authorities, with many seeking clarity on timelines for full recovery. IndiGo’s latest communication suggests that while challenges remain, the airline is attempting to return to a more predictable level of service.

IndiGo cancels 35 flights in Ahmedabad as disruptions deepen

IndiGo’s ongoing operational issues caused major disruptions in Gujarat on Saturday, with 35 scheduled departures cancelled at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Passengers reported uncertainty and a lack of basic facilities as they waited for updates. Vadodara Airport also saw cancellations, with three flights withdrawn, while Rajkot experienced only one cancellation, a Mumbai service, and seven flights to other cities operated as planned.

An Ahmedabad Airport official said a total of 72 IndiGo flights, including 35 departures and 37 arrivals, were cancelled between midnight and 11:59 pm. Vadodara reported six cancellations across arrivals and departures, and one Mumbai flight was delayed. Long queues formed at IndiGo counters in Ahmedabad, where some passengers said they had been stranded for three days despite a special help and refund desk being set up.

Western Railway announced special trains between Ahmedabad and Delhi to support travellers. The Civil Aviation Ministry also directed IndiGo to complete all refunds by Sunday evening and deliver separated baggage within two days.

(With agency inputs)

IndiGo scraps 42 flights at Pune Airport amid ongoing disruptions

Pune Airport experienced major disruptions on Saturday as IndiGo’s operational crisis entered its fifth day, resulting in the cancellation of 42 flights and leaving large numbers of passengers stranded. Airport officials confirmed that between Friday and Saturday midnight, 14 inbound and 28 outbound IndiGo services were cancelled at the airport, which functions within an Indian Air Force base. The cancelled arrivals included flights from cities such as Delhi, Indore, Nagpur, Guwahati, Patna, Varanasi, Chennai and Chandigarh.

A senior official said the airport is “monitoring the situation closely”, with ground-handling teams, security staff and partner agencies fully deployed to manage congestion. Coordination continues with ATC, CISF and terminal operators to assist affected travellers.

The cancellations at Pune come amid nationwide disruptions, with IndiGo scrapping more than 400 flights on Saturday and over 1,000 the previous day. The situation has intensified debate over DGCA’s temporary relaxations to pilot duty rules, which pilot unions strongly oppose.

(With agency inputs)

IndiGo cancels 14 Goa flights, raising peak-season disruption fears

At least 14 IndiGo domestic flights scheduled to depart from Goa’s Dabolim airport were cancelled on Saturday as the airline’s operational disruptions continued, a senior official confirmed. Many passengers were left waiting outside the airport after some cancellations were announced only moments before departure. According to the airport’s X update, flights bound for Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Cochin, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi and Indore were withdrawn by Saturday afternoon.

Airport authorities urged travellers to verify their flight status before arriving. The cancellations have raised concerns within Goa’s tourism sector, with industry representatives warning of reduced arrivals during peak season. Travel and Tourism Association of Goa president Jack Sukhija said IndiGo’s dominant market share means such disruptions significantly affect the state’s economy.

To assist stranded passengers, regional carrier FLY91 added temporary services between Hyderabad and Goa over the next three days.

The broader crisis comes amid more than 1,000 IndiGo cancellations on Friday and regulatory debates surrounding new pilot duty-time rules.

(With agency inputs)