Indian airports in turmoil as country's biggest airline cancels flights

NEW DELHI Major airports across India were thrown into disarray on Friday as travelers grappled with extensive flight cancellations and delays caused by IndiGo, the countrys largest airline, adjusting to new regulations restricting crew and pilot working hours. Passengers faced long waits, crowded service counters, and uncertainty, with some even forced to rest on airport floors.

This marked the fourth consecutive day of interruptions as the low-cost carrier struggled to implement new rules requiring longer rest periods and restricting nighttime operations to enhance safety and reduce fatigue risks. The regulations were introduced in two phases: the first in July and the second in November. IndiGos inability to reorganize schedules promptly led to widespread cancellations and delays. On Thursday alone, more than 300 flights were grounded, and several hundred more were postponed.

A notice at Delhi airport on Friday confirmed that all domestic IndiGo flights would remain canceled until midnight. Other major carriers, including Air India, have largely avoided similar disruptions. IndiGo operates approximately 2,300 flights daily, covering nearly 65% of Indias domestic air traffic.

Senior citizen Sajal Bose, traveling with his wife Senjuti from Kolkata to New Delhi for a friends silver jubilee, saw their flight canceled an hour before departure. Bose now plans a nine-hour train journey to Bagdogra to catch an alternate flight to Delhi. He described the situation as irresponsible and extremely challenging for older passengers.

In an internal message to staff obtained by news agencies, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers apologized, attributing the disruptions to technology issues, schedule adjustments, adverse weather, airport congestion, and the new regulatory measures. The Civil Aviation Ministry noted that the chaos stemmed largely from planning errors as the airline implemented phase two of the regulations, acknowledging that crew availability fell short of expectations.

IndiGo has requested temporary exemptions for the new rules and informed authorities that corrective steps are in progress, aiming to resume full operations by February 10. The airline also warned of further cancellations over the coming weeks and announced a planned reduction in flights starting December 8 to limit further disruptions.

Author: Caleb Jennings