IndiGo Disburses ₹22.68 Crore in Passenger Compensation for December Operational Disruptions
IndiGo, India's largest airline by market share, has expended a substantial sum of ₹22.68 crore towards compensation and facilitation for passengers affected by significant flight disruptions during December 2025. This revelation comes from data shared by the civil aviation ministry with the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the financial impact of operational challenges faced by the carrier.
Compensation Details Across Domestic Airlines
The total compensation and facilitation amount paid by all domestic scheduled airlines in December exceeded ₹24 crore, with IndiGo accounting for the overwhelming majority. The breakdown of payments by other major carriers includes:
- Air India Group (comprising Air India and Air India Express): ₹74.61 lakh
- SpiceJet: ₹40.09 lakh
- Akasa Air: ₹21.06 lakh
These figures were disclosed by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in a written parliamentary reply, underscoring the scale of passenger redressal efforts.
Scope of Compensation and Regulatory Context
The compensation pertains to incidents of denied boarding, flight cancellations, and delays, which are regulated under DGCA norms. According to the ministry's reply, IndiGo's compensation process, as of January 28, 2026, is ongoing, subject to passenger confirmation and document verification, indicating that the final amount may adjust based on claims.
In early December, IndiGo experienced massive operational disruptions, leading to widespread travel chaos. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a 10% reduction in IndiGo's winter schedule, effective until February 10, 2026, to ensure operational stability and passenger safety.
Impact of December Flight Disruptions
The disruptions had a profound effect on air travel across India. Between December 3 and 5, 2025, a staggering 2,507 flights were cancelled, and an additional 1,852 flights faced delays. This operational meltdown impacted over 3 lakh passengers at airports nationwide, as confirmed by the DGCA in a statement on January 20, 2026.
The compensation payout by IndiGo reflects not only regulatory compliance but also the airline's commitment to mitigating passenger inconvenience amid challenging circumstances. This incident highlights the importance of robust operational planning in the aviation sector, especially during peak travel seasons.
