The ongoing flight disruption at Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport stretched into its fourth consecutive day on Sunday, dashing hopes of a quick return to normalcy. Despite minor improvements late on Saturday, the situation remained grim for hundreds of travelers, with cancellations mounting and uncertainty growing.
Mounting Cancellations and Passenger Despair
The number of cancelled IndiGo flights rose to 21 on Sunday, comprising 11 departures and 10 arrivals. This marked an increase of four cancellations compared to Saturday. The continuous disruptions have plunged fliers into a state of limbo, with many forced to extend their stays in Bhubaneswar hotels. A significant number are stuck because they have not yet received their checked-in luggage, making onward travel impossible.
Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan acknowledged the frustration, noting that many passengers arrived on Sunday anticipating some resumption of services. He stated that the terminal building's operations concerning passenger movement, security-hold areas, and check-in counters were being managed effectively despite the overwhelming circumstances.
Which Routes Were Affected?
On Sunday, IndiGo managed to operate only three out of its four scheduled flights to Delhi. Connectivity to several major cities was severely hit. Flights to Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, Guwahati, Raipur, and Chennai were among those cancelled. This widespread cancellation has severed crucial air links for both business and leisure travelers.
Three Categories of Harassed Passengers
Airport officials on the ground identified three distinct groups of affected fliers facing immense hardship. The first group consists of passengers attempting to switch to other airlines but waiting for exorbitant last-minute ticket prices to drop, all while refusing to consider rail alternatives.
The second category includes those who are involuntarily stranded in the city due to missing baggage. The third group comprises individuals making daily rounds to IndiGo counters, desperately seeking refunds for their cancelled tickets. An airport officer highlighted the chaotic scene, remarking that the area outside the terminal often appears more hectic than inside.
The officer expressed pessimism about an immediate resolution, suggesting the situation is unlikely to improve within a day or two. He noted that airline staffing might see gradual streamlining but emphasized that the carrier should announce cancellations at least a day in advance to minimize passenger inconvenience.
No Quick Fix in Sight
The persistence of the crisis over four days indicates systemic issues beyond a one-off glitch. The initial hopes fueled by Saturday's late-night gains were quickly extinguished, revealing a deeper operational challenge. With passengers caught in a web of uncertainty, missing luggage, and financial strain, the disruption at Biju Patnaik International Airport underscores the vulnerability of air travel networks and the cascading effect of airline operational failures on regional connectivity.
