Govt suspends its decision after cancellation of more than 600 Indigo flights

• Rage amongst passengers across the country

• Indigo tenders apology

• Other air travel companies exploit the situation

New Delhi – The service of the largest air travel company in the country, viz. Indigo, has totally collapsed in the last three days as 600 flights have been cancelled so far. It has caused tremendous mental stress to the passengers across the country. The company did not officially give any information to the passengers; therefore, they even staged demonstrations on most of the airports. The company has announced that it would take three months, till February 2026, for them to bring the situation back to normal. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) held a review meeting with the senior officers of Indigo and later, the rule was withdrawn by them. Under the new rule, it has been mandatory for the pilots and other crew members to get one day holiday in a week after working for seven days.

This rule was declared five months ago; but Indigo didn’t make necessary arrangements in this context and its system broke down. It is not yet clear whether Indigo would be held responsible for this chaos; still, the Government had withdrawn its decision. It still raises a question what the Government achieved through such a rule; besides the question that who will be responsible, if in future, any mishap takes place due to the lack of adequate rest to the pilots and crew, causing a huge human loss.

In a memorandum published by Indigo on this situation, it has been mentioned that there has been a huge disturbance in Indigo’s service in the last two days and Indigo offers apology for the same to all its customers and shareholders who were badly affected. Indigo has been trying to overcome the situation and trying its best to bring the situation so also, its service to normal.

Displeasure expressed by Union Minister

Mr K Rammohan Naidu, the Union aviation minister has expressed displeasure over the way Indigo has handled the situation. He has directed the company to resume its activities promptly without increasing the fares. He also instructed the officers of Indigo to inform the passengers, in advance, in case of cancellation of flights and make necessary arrangements for passengers’ stay in hotels along with offering all other facilities.

A review was taken on the present situation and its solutions in the meeting held in the presence of Mr Naidu. From 08.12.2025, Indigo will reduce its flights and by 10.02.2026, the situation will become normal.

Exploitation by other air transport companies

Hundreds of flights of Indigo have been cancelled affecting thousands of travellers and they started to check for other options. Other companies exploited the situation, with steep rise in the cost of the tickets. A Delhi-Mumbai flight which normally costs Rs 4000-9000, was quoted to cost Rs 40,000-80,000; adversely affecting the economy class while for others who were ready to book tickets even at such escalated price, did not get them due to advance booking of tickets even at such costs.

What are the new rules declared by Directorate of Civil Aviation  

The Directorate of Civil Aviation imposed new rules under ‘Flight duty time limitations’ for pilots and other crew members. The first phase of these new rules was implemented on 01.07.2025 while the next phase became applicable since 01.11.2025. The rules lay more emphasis on pilots and crew getting enough rest considering the safety of the passengers. The rules are after seven days’ work, 48 hours break; permission for two night-landings instead of six; night shift not to be done for more than two consecutive nights. In the night shift too, pilots should get rest after a long -distance flight between 12.00 and 6.00 a.m. It has led to reduction in Indigo’s man power, leading to cancellation of more than 50% of its flights.

Editorial Perspectives

• The Government had given enough time to air travel companies after announcing the new rule. Why didn’t the Government review whether any planning was done by the company during that period ? Who is responsible for the commotion created in the country ? People also feel why did the Government make such a rule if it was to be withdrawn ?
• After heavy rains causing stoppage of the train service, rickshaw and taxi drivers exploit the situation in cities like Mumbai demanding extra fare; now, even the white-collared air service companies are doing the same thing. It shows similar mentality of both.