The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has formally initiated proceedings against budget carrier IndiGo, following a wave of severe flight disruptions that left thousands of passengers stranded earlier this month. The antitrust watchdog confirmed it is examining complaints filed against the airline in connection with the operational chaos.
CCI Initiates Probe into IndiGo's Operations
In an official press release issued on Thursday, the CCI stated it has taken cognizance of information filed against IndiGo concerning the recent widespread flight disruptions across the domestic aviation network. The commission has decided to move forward with a detailed assessment of the matter under the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.
"Based on the initial assessment, the Commission has decided to proceed further in the matter," the regulatory body announced. This step indicates a serious examination of whether the airline's practices during the crisis adhered to fair competition norms and consumer protection guidelines.
Widespread Chaos and Passenger Stranding
The probe stems from a period of significant operational failure between December 3 and 5, when IndiGo was forced to cancel hundreds of its domestic flights. The cancellations and major delays were attributed to a combination of operational and system-related challenges that impacted several key airports across the country.
During the crisis, the airline issued multiple public advisories and apologies as it scrambled to restore its schedule and clear the enormous backlog of affected passengers. The scale of the disruption highlighted vulnerabilities in the aviation infrastructure and raised questions about capacity management.
IndiGo Claims Return to Normalcy
Despite the ongoing CCI scrutiny, IndiGo's top management has declared that its operations have stabilised. CEO Pieter Elbers addressed employees, acknowledging the difficult period. "Dear IndiGo colleagues, through the storm we are finding our wings again. The worst is behind us. These last two weeks have been very challenging for all of us," he stated.
Elbers extended gratitude to the airline's pilots, cabin crew, airport staff, and customer service teams for their collective effort during the recovery phase. Subsequently, an IndiGo spokesperson provided a detailed update via a press statement.
"Having completely stabilised operations across the network starting 09 December 2025 with 1,800+ flights, IndiGo has been gradually and carefully adding capacity and will be operating over 2,200 flights today, in line with the revised schedule," the spokesperson confirmed. This statement aims to reassure the public and stakeholders of the airline's restored reliability.
The CCI's investigation will now independently verify the circumstances and the airline's response, ensuring market practices remain competitive and consumer interests are safeguarded following one of the most significant operational breakdowns in recent Indian aviation history.
