Passengers flying with IndiGo from Kolhapur and Nashik faced significant travel disruptions on Thursday, as a combination of a mandatory software upgrade for Airbus A320 aircraft and newly implemented crew rest regulations led to multiple flight delays and cancellations.
What Caused the Widespread Delays?
According to airport authorities, the primary reasons for the operational hiccups were twofold. Firstly, a crucial software upgrade was being rolled out across IndiGo's fleet of Airbus A320 planes. Such updates are essential for safety and performance but can temporarily impact scheduling. Secondly, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has enforced new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, which dictate stricter working hours and rest periods for pilots and cabin crew. The interplay of these two factors created a ripple effect on services.
Kolhapur Airport: Specific Flight Impacts
At Kolhapur Airport, the disruptions were clearly felt. An official communication confirmed that a morning flight arriving from Bengaluru was delayed by 20 minutes, while an evening service from Hyderabad landed 45 minutes behind schedule. The Bengaluru flight was carrying 56 passengers, and the Hyderabad flight had 64 on board. Consequently, the departing flights from Kolhapur were also pushed back.
Airport Director Anil Shinde addressed the situation, stating, "A necessary software upgrade in Airbus 320 planes, and new rules of Flight Duty Time Limitation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, affected services." He advised passengers that the inconvenience might persist for a few more days and urged them to contact IndiGo Airlines directly to reschedule or cancel their flights.
In total, approximately 250 passengers were affected by the delays at Kolhapur. The airport staff provided snacks to waiting travelers as a gesture of goodwill. One passenger bound for Bengaluru expressed appreciation, saying, "I thank the authorities for taking care of us during the delayed period."
Nashik Airport Faces Cancellations and Long Delays
The situation at Nashik Airport was similarly challenging. The airline had to cancel two evening flights to Delhi—one on Wednesday and another on Thursday—due to operational disruptions. While the morning Nashik-Delhi flight on Thursday operated, it was delayed by an hour.
Other key routes from Nashik were also severely impacted. The Nashik to Hyderabad flight was delayed by 70 minutes, and the Nashik to Bengaluru service faced an extensive delay of nearly three hours. IndiGo operates two daily flights on the Nashik-Delhi route and also connects Nashik to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
Looking Ahead for Passengers
The disruptions highlight the logistical challenges airlines face when implementing essential technical upgrades alongside adapting to new regulatory frameworks. Passengers traveling on IndiGo's Airbus A320 network from these cities in the coming days are advised to:
- Check their flight status regularly via the airline's official app or website.
- Contact IndiGo customer service for rebooking options if their travel plans are flexible.
- Allow extra time for airport procedures given the potential for ongoing schedule adjustments.
While the software upgrade is a one-time event, the adaptation to the DGCA's revised FDTL norms may lead to more frequent schedule reviews in the short term as airlines optimize their operations and crew rosters.
