Thousands of travelers across India are facing uncertainty and anxiety as budget carrier IndiGo's unprecedented operational disruptions threaten to derail winter holiday plans, with the airline warning that normal schedules may not resume until February 10, 2026.
Operational Meltdown Spells Trouble for Peak Season
The chaos that crippled IndiGo's flight schedules this week is now feared to spill over into the crucial Christmas and New Year travel period. The airline has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it will scale down operations starting next week. This move has triggered fresh panic among passengers who had booked their year-end vacations relying on the carrier's network.
IndiGo attempted to placate fliers by announcing a full waiver on all cancellation and rescheduling charges for travel between December 5 and December 15. However, this gesture has only deepened apprehensions, with many interpreting it as a sign that the disruptions are far from over.
Passenger Plight: Anxiety, Cancellations, and Sky-High Fares
The human cost of the crisis is becoming starkly evident. Soumya Mukherjee, who planned a seven-day trip to Bengaluru, Mysore, and Hampi for six people, expressed deep worry. "With the way things are going, I'm honestly worried whether it will take off or not," he said, highlighting the financial impossibility of rebooking at triple the fare if his Wednesday flight is canceled.
Other passengers, like Soumik Dutta, are in a state of constant vigilance, checking their Passenger Name Record (PNR) status multiple times a day ahead of a weekend trip to Jaipur. The situation is equally dire for families like that of Sreetama Dasgupta from Tollygunge, who have a trip to Manali via Delhi next Friday. "No trains are available, while fares on other airlines are sky-high," she lamented.
The ripple effect is clear: airfares for the Christmas week have already surged by 25% to 40% on several metro and popular holiday routes. Travel agents warn that prices may spiral further once IndiGo finalizes its revised winter schedule.
Beyond Delays: Missed Commitments and Staff Struggles
The disruptions have led to significant personal and professional setbacks. Renowned singer Kanchanmoy Bhattacharya experienced a last-minute cancellation on Friday morning, causing him to miss judging a reality show in Sonepur, Patna. After a frustrating 90-minute wait to retrieve his luggage, he now faces uncertainty over another IndiGo flight on Sunday for the same event, where he is scheduled to perform with Anuradha Paudwal.
On the ground, the strain is visible, with reports of harried and often clueless staff struggling to manage the fallout of the sudden cancellations and delays, leaving passengers stranded and uninformed.
As IndiGo works to stabilize its operations, the coming weeks will be a critical test for the airline's crisis management and for the travel plans of countless Indians looking forward to a holiday season reunion. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and explore the offered waivers while bracing for continued volatility in the aviation sector.
