IndiGo Crisis Deepens: Mass Cancellations Leave Flyers Stranded

A wave of flight cancellations and delays by IndiGo, India’s leading carrier, has plunged thousands of passengers into travel chaos. In a span of three days, more than 1,000 flights have been grounded, impacting operations nationwide. Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad are reporting significant disruptions, mirroring the situation in Thiruvananthapuram where two arrivals and two departures were scrubbed. Beyond cancellations, numerous flights are facing lengthy delays, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. The ripple effect has driven up airfares on other airlines, with travelers facing costs of up to ₹30,000 for last-minute bookings. IndiGo has attributed the operational meltdown to crew shortages and technical problems. To manage the ongoing turmoil, the airline has petitioned the DGCA for exemptions from certain FDTL rules until February 10, 2026, citing passenger inconvenience. They have pledged that remedial actions are underway to restore normalcy. The DGCA confirmed that more cancellations are expected in the short term as IndiGo works to streamline its operations and has cautioned the airline against price gouging. Airport authorities have been instructed to offer support to stranded travelers.