India’s largest airline, IndiGo, cancelled around 50 flights across multiple airports on Tuesday, adding to the operational strain the carrier has been facing in recent weeks. The cancellations were reflected on the airline’s official website and impacted passengers travelling through several important cities across the country.
Among the airports affected were major hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai, along with regional centres including Varanasi, Pune, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Indore and Patna. The sudden disruption left many travellers scrambling for alternatives, particularly those with tight connections or time-sensitive plans. IndiGo did not issue a detailed explanation for the cancellations.
These flight cancellations come at a time when the airline has already been under intense scrutiny due to repeated disruptions earlier this month. Thousands of passengers had previously been affected by large-scale schedule changes, leading to widespread inconvenience and complaints during the peak travel season.
Under its approved winter schedule, IndiGo had originally been cleared to operate more than 2,100 domestic flights per day, reflecting its aggressive expansion plans. The winter timetable was designed to accommodate increased passenger demand, especially during the holiday period, and marked a modest increase over the airline’s summer operations.
However, following the recent operational breakdowns, the government intervened, ordering a reduction in IndiGo’s flight operations. As a result, the airline’s daily domestic flight cap was cut by 10 per cent, bringing the allowable number down to 1,930 flights per day, excluding international and cargo services.
The decision came after days when flight cancellations had surged sharply, at times affecting over a thousand flights in a single day. These repeated disruptions raised concerns about whether the airline had sufficient manpower and systems in place to support its expanded schedule.
In response, aviation regulator DGCA set up a four-member committee to examine the root causes behind the disruptions. The panel is reviewing issues such as pilot availability, crew rostering practices, and the airline’s preparedness to comply with revised duty and rest norms. Senior executives from IndiGo, including its top leadership, have already been questioned as part of the probe.
As the airline continues to operate under reduced capacity, passengers remain wary of further disruptions. Industry experts say the episode highlights the growing challenges airlines face in managing rapid growth while ensuring operational stability. With the DGCA report expected soon, IndiGo’s next steps will be closely watched by both regulators and travellers alike.
