India's largest airline, IndiGo, is grappling with a severe operational crisis for the second consecutive day, leading to the cancellation and delay of over 70 flights across its network. The disruption, centered at major hubs like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, has left passengers stranded amidst long queues and last-minute schedule changes.
Widespread Disruption and Passenger Woes
The chaos unfolded on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, as the airline struggled with a significant shortage of available crew members. Travelers at affected airports reported scenes of confusion and frustration, with many learning about flight cancellations or indefinite delays only upon arrival at the terminal. The airline's counters witnessed serpentine lines as ground staff worked to manage the fallout and assist irate customers.
IndiGo's Official Response and Recovery Plan
In an official statement, IndiGo acknowledged that its network had been "significantly disrupted" over the past two days and issued an apology to affected flyers. To contain the situation, the carrier has initiated what it calls "calibrated adjustments" to its flight schedules.
The airline stated, "These measures will remain in place for the next 48 hours and will allow us to normalize our operations and progressively recover our punctuality across the network." While IndiGo did not provide specific figures on the number of flights impacted, reports from the ground and news agencies indicate the figure exceeds seventy.
What Happens Next for Affected Passengers?
IndiGo has assured that its teams are working around the clock to support passengers caught in the disruption. The airline is offering alternative travel arrangements on other flights or processing refunds for cancelled services. The focus for the next two days is on stabilizing the schedule and gradually restoring normalcy.
Passengers booked on IndiGo flights in the immediate future are advised to:
- Check their flight status directly via the IndiGo website or app before heading to the airport.
- Allow for extra travel time due to anticipated congestion at check-in and security counters.
- Monitor official IndiGo communication channels for further updates on the recovery process.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of airline operations to crew logistics and has raised questions about preparedness for such large-scale disruptions during the busy travel season.
