IndiGo Flight Chaos: 400+ Cancellations Continue
IndiGo, India's largest airline, is experiencing a significant operational crisis as it faces over 400 flight cancellations for the seventh consecutive day. The disruptions are primarily due to crew shortages and technical issues, causing inconvenience to thousands of travelers across key airports in the country.
In Mumbai, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has seen the cancellation of more than eight domestic flights. However, there is a silver lining as check-in processes for most domestic flights have begun, indicating a slight improvement in the situation. The airline's international flights from Mumbai are still operating as scheduled, which brings some relief to international travelers.
Other major airports are also impacted by IndiGo's operational challenges. For instance, Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport reported the cancellation of 77 IndiGo flights, including 38 arrivals and 39 departures. Similarly, Chennai Airport witnessed cancellations of 71 flights, comprising 38 departures and 33 arrivals.
At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, a total of 134 flights were cancelled, with 75 departures and 59 arrivals affected. Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport followed suit, with 127 flights cancelled, 65 of which were arrivals. In light of these disruptions, Delhi Airport has issued an advisory to travelers, urging them to check their flight statuses before arriving at the airport.
Despite the chaos, the airport management reassured passengers that operations at Delhi Airport are running smoothly, though some flights may still face delays or cancellations. They emphasized the importance of staying updated on flight statuses to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Notably, on Sunday alone, IndiGo cancelled over 650 flights. To compensate affected passengers, the airline processed ticket refunds worth a staggering Rs 610 crore. Senior officials project that operations will stabilize by December 10, offering hope for travelers facing uncertainty.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been closely monitoring the situation and extended the deadline for IndiGo’s CEO and Accountable Manager to respond to show-cause notices related to the recent disruptions. Both executives are expected to provide explanations by 6 pm on Monday, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
