India witnessed a major travel disruption on Thursday as flight cancellations and delays continued to pile up across the country, affecting thousands of passengers. IndiGo, the nation’s largest airline by domestic market share, bore the brunt of the chaos, leaving travelers stranded at major airports. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) summoned IndiGo’s senior management to provide explanations for the widespread disruption.
At Delhi airport alone, the cancellations soared to 95 flights, including 48 departures and 47 arrivals, spanning both domestic and international sectors. Initially, about 30 departures were flagged as cancelled in the morning, but as the day progressed, the situation escalated dramatically. Consequently, the operational strain spread across other airports, highlighting systemic challenges within the airline network.
Passengers Face Travel Nightmares
For travelers, these cancellations translated into long waits, reroutes, and a chaotic journey experience. One passenger shared, “I am fed up with IndiGo’s services. Yesterday, I had a direct flight from Mumbai to Kolkata, but it was cancelled and rescheduled via Chennai. After reaching Chennai, that flight was cancelled as well. They then revised my journey from Chennai to Port Blair and onwards to Kolkata. Now, I have received another message saying that the Port Blair to Kolkata flight has also been cancelled.”
Moreover, complaints flooded social media platforms, further highlighting the frustration. Many passengers reported last-minute notifications, limited on-ground assistance, inadequate meal and hotel arrangements, and difficulties in reaching customer support. As a result, public anger intensified, and regulatory scrutiny became unavoidable.
#FlightCancellations | Delays piling up a the #DelhiAirport #IndiGo officials arrive at the office of #DGCA to update the regulator about flight cancellations and measures they are taking to mitigate the situation
📹 @shivanibazaz @madeehamedia #FlightDelay #IndigoDelay pic.twitter.com/l0ST4b92wS
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) December 4, 2025
DGCA Steps In
Amid rising public outrage, the DGCA called in IndiGo’s top management to explain the mass cancellations. Officials are examining whether the airline adhered to norms regarding passenger facilitation, advance intimation, and scheduling. Meanwhile, the regulator seeks detailed explanations for why such a large number of flights were abruptly cancelled.
Other airports also reported operational pressures. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) issued a statement, noting, “Certain domestic airlines are currently experiencing operational constraints, affecting services nationwide. Additionally, CIAL is coordinating with airline operations teams to support passengers and ensure smooth functioning of airport services.” Chennai airport also reported multiple IndiGo flights being delayed or cancelled, causing further disruptions.
The management of Indigo airlines reached the DGCA’s office after being summoned. The top management has been asked to explain the mass flight cancellation & hours-long delays that have left passengers stranded at various major airports across India#Indigo #FlightDisruption… pic.twitter.com/C7u8t0ZqBM
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) December 4, 2025
Root Causes: Pilot Shortages and Operational Planning
Amid speculation that the Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) norms and pilot shortages triggered the crisis, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) flagged deeper issues. The association suggested that the problem may stem from inadequate resource planning by dominant airlines, rather than solely regulatory changes.
ALPA India stated, “The core question is whether airlines’ current pilot shortage is due to a failure in planning or a calculated strategy. It is more likely a combination of factors. Consequently, this situation highlights a failure of proactive resource planning, potentially exacerbated by an attempt to pressurise the regulator to dilute FDTL norms for commercial gain.”
Impact on Travelers and Industry
Furthermore, the IndiGo disruption has raised concerns about the resilience of India’s aviation sector. The mass cancellations not only affected passengers’ schedules but also placed tremendous pressure on airport infrastructure and staff. Airlines and regulators now face the challenge of restoring passenger confidence while addressing operational gaps.
Passengers have been advised to continuously check flight updates and coordinate with customer support for rebooking options. Meanwhile, the aviation community is closely monitoring how IndiGo resolves the crisis and whether it implements long-term measures to prevent recurrence.
Conclusion
In summary, the IndiGo cancellations and delays have exposed vulnerabilities in airline planning and resource management. However, with DGCA oversight and growing public scrutiny, the airline must take immediate corrective actions. Passengers, on the other hand, remain hopeful that the situation will stabilize soon, and their travel plans can proceed without further interruptions. The IndiGo incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive operational planning, transparent communication, and regulatory compliance in ensuring smooth air travel in India.
