• IndiGo has canceled over 500 flights amid operational disruptions, stranding thousands of passengers.
• A new pilot duty regulation implementation has led to significant crew shortages.
• The airline's on-time performance has collapsed to just 8.5% due to these issues.
• Passengers report chaos at airports, with long wait times and inadequate assistance.
• IndiGo expects to restore full operation by February 10, 2026.

India's largest airline, IndiGo, is facing a severe operational crisis as it has canceled over 500 flights nationwide, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The chaos, which marks the worst disruption in recent years for the airline, has been attributed to "unforeseen operational challenges," including new crew rostering rules that have resulted in significant pilot shortages. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an investigation into the matter, demanding IndiGo submit plans to mitigate these disruptions, which have persisted for several days, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

IndiGo provided explanations for the chaos, indicating it had "grossly underestimated" pilot requirements for current schedules under the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules. These regulations, which increased mandated rest periods for pilots, have dramatically reduced the number of available pilots, thus contributing to operational failures. As a result, IndiGo had to cancel its entire schedule of domestic departures from Delhi until midnight on December 5, compounding passenger frustration, reports India Times and BBC.

Scenes of chaos have been reported at various airports, with passengers expressing frustration over lengthy delays, lack of information, and inadequate food and water provisions. Videos circulating on social media depict passengers lying on terminal floors, waiting for clarity on their disrupted travel plans. In one instance, a passenger lamented, “People are just lying everywhere. No one is telling us anything,” illustrating the depth of the crisis, according to India Times and AA.

As the crisis escalates, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed IndiGo to stabilize its flight schedules urgently, promising full refunds to affected passengers and assistance with hotel accommodation for those stranded. Additionally, IndiGo has requested temporary relief from specific provisions of the FDTL rules to manage their operations effectively, ensuring compliance with safety measures, as reported by India Times and Channel News Asia.

IndiGo stated it aims to restore normal operations by February 10, 2026, amidst nationwide criticism and regulatory scrutiny following the disruption, which has seen their on-time performance tumble to an unprecedented low of 8.5%. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before arriving at airports, as the situation continues to evolve, according to India Times and India Times.