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.

Analysis: IndiGo’s Regulatory Challenges Disrupt Indian Aviation

The recent chaos at major Indian airports highlights the significant operational challenges faced by IndiGo as it adapts to stricter crew and pilot working hour regulations. With over 2,300 daily flights, the airline covers nearly two-thirds of domestic air traffic, making any disruption highly visible and impactful.

Phase two of the regulations, introduced in November, requires longer rest periods and restricts nighttime operations. IndiGo’s failure to reorganize schedules efficiently has led to multiple days of cancellations and delays, affecting thousands of passengers, including vulnerable travelers like senior citizens.

While CEO Pieter Elbers cited technology and weather issues alongside the regulatory changes, the Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed that planning deficiencies were the primary cause. IndiGo is seeking temporary exemptions and has promised corrective measures, with a target to restore full operations by February 10. Nonetheless, travelers should expect continued disruptions in the coming weeks, with a reduction in flights already planned from December 8.

This situation underscores the broader challenge of balancing regulatory compliance with operational readiness in India’s high-traffic aviation sector, highlighting the need for robust contingency planning by carriers handling large volumes of passengers.

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• Chaos erupts at Indian airports as country's largest airline cancels flights