IndiGo flight disruptions enter 4th day, 550 flights canceled
05 Dec 2025

India's largest airline, IndiGo, is still reeling from major operational disruptions for the fourth consecutive day.

The chaos has resulted in over 550 domestic and international flight cancelations and widespread delays across several airports.

The massive disruption has affected travel plans of hundreds of passengers.

On Thursday alone, Delhi airport saw at least 172 flight cancelations followed by Mumbai (118), Bangalore (100), Hyderabad (75), Kolkata (35), Chennai (26), and Goa (11).

IndiGo issues apology, promises to restore normalcy
Apology issued

In light of the widespread disruption, IndiGo has apologized to all customers and industry stakeholders affected by these events.

The airline said its teams are working diligently with the support of various authorities to minimize delays and restore normalcy.

"We extend a heartfelt apology to all our customers and industry stakeholders who have been impacted by these events," IndiGo said in a post on X.

IndiGo's CEO addresses operational challenges
Operational hurdles

IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers has admitted that restoring normal operations and punctuality won't be an 'easy target.'

He detailed the operational challenges in an internal email to employees.

"An accumulation of several operational challenges, including minor technology glitches, schedule changes, adverse weather conditions, heightened congestion in the aviation ecosystem," he wrote.

IndiGo's on-time performance drops amid operational challenges
Performance dip

Despite operating around 2,300 flights a day, IndiGo's on-time performance plummeted to 19.7% on Wednesday from 35% on Tuesday.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) noted an unprecedented spike in cancelations with approximately 170-200 flights canceled daily.

"IndiGo has been experiencing a sharp rise in cancelations, reaching approximately 170-200 flights per day," DGCA said in its statement.

DGCA launches investigation into IndiGo's operational decline
Investigation initiated

In response to the sharp decline in performance and widespread flight cancelations, the aviation watchdog has launched an investigation.

The DGCA has asked IndiGo to explain the reasons behind its operational decline and high number of cancelations and delays throughout November.

In its defense, IndiGo cited staff shortages, Air Traffic Control (ATC) issues among other challenges as reasons for these disruptions.