IndiGo cancels over 100 flights amid crew shortage; DGCA seeks explanation

IndiGo cancelled more than 100 flights and delayed several others on Wednesday as the airline struggled with major operational disruptions triggered largely by crew shortages.

The aviation regulator DGCA has sought a detailed explanation from IndiGo and asked for an immediate mitigation plan to bring down cancellations and delays.

Passengers across major airports — Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad — faced long hours of uncertainty, arguments with staff and crowded terminals. Bengaluru saw 42 cancellations, Delhi 38, Mumbai 33 and Hyderabad 19, according to airport sources.

IndiGo, which operates more than 2,300 flights a day, said a “multitude of unforeseen operational challenges” had hit its network over the last two days. These include minor technical glitches, winter schedule changes, weather issues, congestion in the aviation system and the impact of newly implemented Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules.

However, sources said the disruptions stemmed mainly from an acute crew shortage caused by the rollout of the second phase of the FDTL norms from November 1. The new rules mandate longer rest periods and fewer night landings, requiring airlines to deploy more pilots.

IndiGo recorded an On Time Performance (OTP) of just 35% on December 2, as per official data.

According to DGCA, the airline cancelled 1,232 flights in November — 755 of them due to crew and FDTL constraints. The remaining were due to airspace restrictions, ATC issues and other reasons.

The airline said it has now introduced “calibrated adjustments” to stabilise operations over the next 48 hours. It did not specify how many flights would be cancelled or rescheduled, but assured that affected passengers would be offered alternative travel or refunds.

Social media saw an outpouring of angry posts from stranded travellers. At Hyderabad airport, Ayyappa devotees reportedly protested after long delays.

Pilot unions have criticised IndiGo’s staffing practices. The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) said the disruptions reflect “a failure of proactive resource planning” and suggested airlines may be trying to pressure the DGCA into diluting the new FDTL norms. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) said other airlines implemented the rules smoothly because they planned ahead.

IndiGo currently has 416 aircraft in its fleet, with 366 in active service and 50 grounded.
(With PTI inputs)