India's largest carrier, IndiGo, is facing severe operational turbulence, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations across its network. The airline has officially acknowledged significant missteps in its planning and will now curtail its flight schedule starting next week.
IndiGo Admits to Major Planning Failure
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, IndiGo conceded to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it had misjudged and poorly planned the implementation of the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. These regulations are designed to manage pilot fatigue and ensure safety. The airline's admission points to a critical internal failure in rostering and resource management, which has directly triggered the current crisis.
Consequences: Flight Cuts and Passenger Stranding
As a direct result of this failure, IndiGo has informed the regulator that it will reduce its flight operations effective December 8, 2025. This decision comes after two consecutive days of major disruptions that left hundreds of passengers stranded at airports nationwide.
Scenes of frustration unfolded at airports like Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where passengers were left waiting indefinitely due to sudden cancellations. The scale of the disruption has impacted travel plans across India, highlighting the airline's struggle to manage its expansive operations.
Government and Regulatory Reaction
The Civil Aviation Ministry has expressed its clear displeasure with how IndiGo has handled the situation. The ministry's strong reaction underscores the seriousness of the operational breakdown and its impact on the flying public. The DGCA is actively monitoring the situation, ensuring the airline's corrective measures are implemented promptly to restore normalcy.
While IndiGo has announced a reduction in flights to stabilize operations, the airline has not yet provided a clear timeline for when it will fully restore its original schedule. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and allow extra time for travel in the coming days as the airline works to resolve its operational challenges.
