New Delhi – The aviation sector witnessed unprecedented turmoil as IndiGo flight cancellations entered their eighth consecutive day, prompting the government to take decisive action. The civil aviation ministry has ordered the airline to reduce its operations by 10 percent, marking a significant intervention in the country’s largest carrier’s functioning. This directive came after continuous operational failures that affected thousands of passengers across major Indian cities.
Mass Disruptions Affect Major Cities
IndiGo flight cancellations reached alarming levels on Tuesday, with over 400 flights grounded across the country. Delhi bore the brunt of these disruptions with 152 flights cancelled, while Bengaluru witnessed 121 cancellations. The ripple effect extended to other metropolitan cities, with Hyderabad recording 58 cancellations, Chennai 41, Ahmedabad 16, Thiruvananthapuram 4, and Mumbai 3. Since the beginning of this crisis, nearly 5,000 flights have been cancelled, leaving countless passengers stranded and frustrated.
The scale of IndiGo flight cancellations has created chaos at airports nationwide, with passengers scrambling to find alternative arrangements. The airline’s inability to maintain its scheduled operations has raised serious questions about its capacity planning and operational readiness. Aviation experts suggest that the carrier may have overextended its network beyond its operational capabilities.
Government’s Firm Action
The civil aviation ministry took unprecedented action by mandating a 10 percent reduction in IndiGo’s operations across all sectors. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu explained that this curtailment was necessary to stabilize the airline’s operations and reduce the frequency of cancellations. The minister emphasized that while complying with this directive, IndiGo would continue to serve all its existing destinations.
Initially, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued an order directing a 5 percent operational cut. However, recognizing the severity of operational constraints, the ministry doubled this curtailment to a minimum of 10 percent. This decision reflects the government’s determination to ensure passenger welfare and restore normalcy to air travel operations.
CEO’s Apology and Recovery Plans
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned by the civil aviation ministry to provide a comprehensive update on the ongoing situation. In a video statement released on the airline’s social media platform, Elbers assured passengers that IndiGo is “back on its feet” with stable operations. He expressed his profound apologies for the inconvenience caused by these disruptions.
Elbers stated that the restoration of the airline’s network was being executed on a war footing. He confirmed that lakhs of customers have already received full refunds, with remaining cases being processed daily. The CEO also reported that most baggage stuck at various airports has been delivered to passengers, with efforts underway to clear the remaining items.
Operational Recovery Measures
Despite the ongoing IndiGo flight cancellations, the airline demonstrated signs of recovery. On Tuesday, IndiGo operated more than 1,800 flights, connecting all 138 stations in its network. The carrier announced plans to increase this number to nearly 1,900 flights on Wednesday, December 10.
The airline has implemented several measures to optimize operations and restore normalcy. IndiGo reported that its on-time performance has returned to normal levels, a crucial indicator of operational stability. Additionally, the company has automated the refund process, allowing customers to receive full refunds upon cancellations through a simple procedure on their website, with no questions asked.
Prime Minister’s Intervention
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the IndiGo flight cancellations during an NDA parliamentary meeting. He emphasized that passengers should not face harassment or inconvenience due to operational chaos. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed the Prime Minister’s message, stating that while rules and laws are important, they should not be used to harass people during efforts to correct systemic issues.
Impact on Passengers
The extended period of IndiGo flight cancellations has severely impacted travel plans across the country. Passengers have faced significant inconvenience, including missed business meetings, disrupted holiday plans, and financial losses. The airline’s dominance in the Indian aviation market, operating nearly 2,000 flights daily under normal circumstances, means that these disruptions have had a disproportionate impact on air travelers.
Way Forward
As IndiGo works to stabilize its operations following the government-mandated 10 percent cut, the aviation industry watches closely. The airline must demonstrate improved operational efficiency and reliability to regain passenger trust. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether these measures successfully resolve the crisis and prevent future large-scale disruptions in Indian aviation.
