Indian airline cancels over 300 flights due to 'staff shortage'

India's major carrier, IndiGo, has been forced to cancel more than 300 flights since Tuesday, stranding thousands of passengers across the country. The disruption has hit key hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru the hardest.

The airline cited a combination of technical problems, adverse weather, and adjustments to crew scheduling rules as reasons for the cancellations. IndiGo, which controls over 60% of the domestic market and connects large cities with smaller towns, stated that it has implemented "carefully measured adjustments" to its flight schedule through Friday to restore stability.

On Thursday morning, reports indicated 33 flight cancellations at Delhi, 85 at Mumbai, and 73 at Bengaluru. Social media platforms were filled with videos of frustrated travelers, while many passengers posted complaints on X (formerly Twitter). The airlines standard response emphasized that flight operations depend on various factors, some beyond their control, which can affect schedules.

India's aviation authority has launched an inquiry into the disruptions, requesting the airline to provide detailed explanations for the delays and cancellations. Since November 1, IndiGo has reportedly been experiencing pilot and crew shortages due to new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules, which restrict flight hours and require longer rest periods.

The Federation of Indian Pilots, however, argued that the cancellations are not linked to the new FDTL regulations, noting that other carriers have not faced similar issues. This situation poses a challenge to IndiGos reputation, built over two decades on punctuality, especially as recent surveys suggest a decline in on-time performance. A survey by LocalCircles found that 54% of passengers reported delays and timing issues over the past year.

Author: Lucas Grant