Chaos at Airports: IndiGo Cancels 70+ Flights Amid Staff Shortages and Tech Glitches

New Delhi, Dec 3, 2025 IndiGo, one of India’s largest airlines, faced a major operational disruption over the past two days, leading to the cancellation of at least 70 flights across the country. Passengers at multiple airports experienced long delays and cancellations, creating widespread frustration and prompting the airline to issue a formal apology. Thousands of travelers were affected, with social media flooded with complaints, videos, and hashtags highlighting the chaos. Some passengers even tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, urging immediate action. According to airline sources, several factors contributed to this disruption. A key reason was the implementation of the new Flight Duty Time Limits (FDTL) regime introduced in November 2025. The updated rules altered pilot schedules and significantly reduced the availability of crew members at critical times. With fewer pilots available for flights, many services had to be cancelled or delayed. This issue was further exacerbated by the usual surge in passenger numbers during winter, putting extra pressure on limited resources. Technical problems also played a role in the disruption. IndiGo acknowledged minor technology glitches in their systems, which delayed boarding processes and affected flight scheduling. Additionally, adverse weather conditions in some regions and airport congestion further contributed to operational challenges, creating a compounding effect on flight management. The airline explained that these unforeseen operational hurdles, including changes in crew rostering, winter season demands, and system issues, were difficult to anticipate and manage simultaneously. In response, IndiGo has been actively working to address technical problems, optimize crew deployment, and stabilize flight schedules. Internal sources confirmed that while technology and airport congestion played a part, crew shortages remained the primary cause of cancellations and delays. Passengers expressed frustration on social media, with many videos showing heated arguments at check-in counters and boarding gates. Some even highlighted the lack of clarity and communication during the cancellations. IndiGo assured that all efforts are being made to minimize inconvenience, with priority given to rebooking affected passengers and ensuring the smooth operation of upcoming flights. The airline’s apology acknowledged the disruption and inconvenience caused, stating, “We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused by these operational challenges and are taking all possible steps to normalize services across our network.” The incident highlights the delicate balance airlines must maintain between regulatory compliance, technical readiness, and customer service. Experts note that winter travel peaks and regulatory changes like the FDTL can heavily impact airline operations if contingency measures are not robust. As IndiGo works to restore normalcy, travelers are being advised to check flight status before heading to the airport and remain patient during this recovery period. Chaos at Airports: IndiGo Cancels 70+ Flights Amid Staff Shortages and Tech Glitches IndiGo faced a major disruption over the past two days, canceling more than 70 flights across India and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Airports across the country witnessed long delays and angry travelers, many of whom took to social media to share videos and complaints. Some passengers even tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, demanding action. The airline said the main reason for the chaos was the new Flight Duty Time Limits (FDTL) introduced in November 2025. These new rules changed pilot schedules and reduced available crew, especially during peak hours. With fewer pilots ready to operate flights, many services had to be canceled. The usual winter surge in passenger numbers added to the strain, making the situation worse. Technical issues also caused delays. IndiGo reported minor system glitches that slowed boarding and flight scheduling. In some areas, bad weather and airport congestion further complicated operations, creating a chain reaction of delays. The airline apologized for the inconvenience, saying it was working hard to fix the issues, rebook affected passengers, and bring flights back on schedule. They admitted that while tech and airport problems contributed, crew shortages were the main reason behind the cancellations. Passengers shared their frustration online, showing long queues, arguments at counters, and confusion over flight updates. IndiGo assured everyone that it is taking steps to stabilize operations and minimize further disruptions. This incident highlights how changes in regulations, peak season pressure, and technical issues can combine to affect airline operations. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses before leaving for the airport and be patient as IndiGo works to return to normal schedules.