IndiGo has cancelled over 700 flights across India, including 77 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on December 10, causing massive disruption for passengers during the peak travel season.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) convened a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to assess the crisis and push for quick resolution.
Officials said the cancellations were mainly due to crew shortages, mismanaged pilot rosters, and challenges in following the newly revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. These rules, designed to ensure pilots get adequate rest, have restricted consecutive flight hours, and IndiGo reportedly failed to align staffing with the updated requirements.
In the PMO-led review, the government instructed IndiGo to stabilise operations immediately, assist stranded passengers, avoid fare hikes, and submit a detailed recovery plan. The plan is expected to address crew recruitment, compliance with safety norms, and measures to restore regular flight operations.
Travelers at Hyderabad and other affected airports faced significant inconvenience, including cancellations, delays, and rebookings. The disruptions have impacted both domestic and connecting flights, affecting thousands of passengers nationwide.
Authorities stressed that operational stability must be restored without compromising safety. IndiGo has assured officials that corrective measures are underway to address crew shortages and resume normal flight schedules as quickly as possible.
Passengers are advised to stay updated with flight schedules and make alternative arrangements where necessary. The speed and effectiveness of IndiGo’s recovery plan will determine how quickly the airline can return to regular operations and restore confidence among travelers.
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