IndiGo Flight Cancellations LIVE: A Tough Weekend for Passengers Across India
Thousands of passengers across the country faced unexpected stress and uncertainty as widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo disrupted travel plans throughout the weekend. Long queues, anxious faces, missed events, and last-minute hotel stays became a reality for many travelers who were caught completely off guard.
The situation intensified when the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, issued a formal notice to the airline, demanding a detailed explanation for the operational breakdown. As pressure mounted, IndiGo requested additional time to respond—and the DGCA has now granted an extension until 6 PM on Monday.
For passengers, this update offers some clarity, but the emotional and practical challenges they faced continue to linger.
What Led to the Massive Flight Disruptions?
According to early industry reports, the cancellations were triggered by large-scale crew unavailability, leading to delays that snowballed into an operational crisis. With IndiGo operating the largest domestic network in India, even a minor disruption can ripple across airports nationwide. This time, the impact was far greater.
Passengers Left Stranded
Airports saw chaotic scenes:
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Families with children waiting for hours
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Elderly passengers struggling for assistance
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Students panicking about exam or interview delays
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Travelers missing weddings, important events, or connecting flights
Many passengers took to social media, expressing frustration over insufficient communication and last-minute cancellations.
DGCA Steps In: Strict Warning to IndiGo
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation immediately sought clarification from the airline, demanding explanations for:
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The high number of cancellations
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Failure to manage crew schedules
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Lack of timely passenger support
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Poor communication during the disruption
Initially, IndiGo was asked to respond promptly, but due to the operational load and investigation underway, the airline requested more time. The DGCA has now agreed, extending the deadline till 6 PM on Monday.
This extension signals that the regulator expects a comprehensive and transparent response—especially considering the scale of inconvenience faced by lakhs of passengers.
IndiGo’s Response So Far
The airline has issued statements acknowledging the disruption and assuring that normal operations are gradually stabilizing. IndiGo has also mentioned that affected passengers are being offered:
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Complimentary rescheduling
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Refunds
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New flight options based on availability
But the emotional impact of the uncertainty is undeniable. Weekend travel often carries special purpose—family reunions, important commitments, or long-planned vacations—and many passengers have shared their disappointment and distress.
The airline processed refunds totalling ₹610 crore so far against cancelled or severely delayed flights, and delivered 3,000 pieces of baggage to passengers across the country as of Saturday. The move comes after the Ministry of Civil Aviation asked the airline to process refunds and baggage by 8 pm on Sunday.
IndiGo said it is operating 1,650 flights of its 2,300 daily domestic and international flights on Sunday, and 650 remain cancelled for the day, amid the airline’s operations gradually stabilising after massive disruptions in the last five days.
On Sunday, 115 flights were cancelled at Hyderabad airport, 112 at Mumbai airport, 109 in Delhi, 38 in Chennai and 11 in Amritsar. Since Tuesday, IndiGo has cancelled more than 2,000 flights and delayed many others while leaving passengers stranded at the airports.
Passengers Share Their Ordeal
Across airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, people recounted similar moments of frustration:
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Hours waiting without clear updates
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Sudden gate changes
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Long queues for refunds
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Confusion about alternative flights
For many, it wasn’t just a flight cancellation—it was a day filled with emotional exhaustion.
What Happens Next?
With the DGCA awaiting IndiGo’s detailed explanation, the next 24 hours are crucial. The aviation regulator may impose:
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Penalties
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Operational restrictions
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Safety audits
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Passenger compensation guidelines
The final decision will depend heavily on IndiGo’s Monday response.
For now, passengers hoping to fly in the next few days are advised to:
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Check flight status regularly
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Reach the airport earlier than usual
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Keep an eye on IndiGo’s official communication channels
The Bigger Picture: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Aviation?
This weekend crisis has once again highlighted vulnerability in airline operations—especially when staff shortages meet high demand. It also raises important questions about:
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Crew management policies
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Passenger communication standards
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Emergency preparedness in aviation
One thing is clear: passengers deserve smoother, safer, and more predictable travel experiences.
