Passengers across India were left frustrated and angry on Wednesday as Indigo cancelled more than 100 flights and delayed many others. Airports like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune saw long queues and chaotic scenes. Travellers took to social media to express their anger and frustration. Many reported waiting for 6 to 12 hours, some even longer, with no clear updates.

Photos and videos from terminals showed crowds packed like railway stations, passengers arguing with ground staff, and exhausted travellers trying to figure out their next steps.

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In a statement, Indigo admitted its network had been “significantly disrupted” for the last two days. The airline apologised to customers and announced “calibrated adjustments” to its schedule for the next 48 hours to stabilise operations.

How many flights were cancelled?

While IndiGo has not released official figures, reports suggest over 130 flights were cancelled between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. PTI reported that 42 flights were cancelled from Bengaluru and 19 from Hyderabad, while ANI reported 38 cancellations at Delhi airport. According to the Times of India, 33 flights were cancelled in Mumbai as of Wednesday evening.

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Indigo flight cancelled: Stranded flyers share their ordeal

Social media was flooded with frustrated passengers sharing their experiences. Many complained of no updates, no assistance, and no refreshments, despite DGCA rules requiring airlines to provide them after a two-hour delay.

A frustrated flyer said, “IndiGo6E continues to disappoint with delayed/cancelled flights. Scenes from Mumbai airport. Not a single top-level representative at the scene to handle the situation. Shame on you, Indigo. People have decided not to let any Indigo flight take off till other passengers get some clarity.”

One parent shared, “I am travelling with an 8-month-old child. The flight has been delayed from 7:10 PM to 4:40 AM. With no guidance or facilities, this is completely inhumane. Please arrange accommodation.”

Another user wrote, “Complete chaos at Delhi airport. No response back from IndiGo for 21 hours. Hope DGCA ensures airlines run smoothly without passengers suffering.”

One user shared, “Stuck at the airport for 16 hours. No accountability. No update. Nothing.” Another wrote, “My Pune–Delhi flight is delayed by more than 3.5 hours. People here have been waiting since last night.” One more wrote, “India needs better airlines. Prices are high, services are falling, and delays are endless.” Another chimed in, “Don’t fly indigo…they loot under the garb of cancellation charges.. this is karma…one day it will shut down becoz of it’s malpractices!!”

Travelers in Pune, Mumbai, and Kolkata also reported long delays, sudden cancellations, and zero clarity from airline staff. Many missed connecting flights, including international ones, and were left stranded overnight. Read full statement here.

Indigo responds 

In a statement, the airlines shared, “A multitude of unforeseen operational challenges including minor technology glitches, schedule changes linked to the winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system and the implementation of updated crew rostering rules (Flight Duty Time Limitations) had a negative compounding impact on our operations in a way that was not feasible to be anticipated.”

It added, “To contain the disruption and restore stability, we have initiated calibrated adjustments to our schedules. These measures will remain in place for the next 48 hours and will allow us to normalise our operations and progressively recover our punctuality across the network. Our teams are working around the clock to ease customer discomfort and ensure operations stabilise as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the affected customers are being offered alternate travel arrangements to reach their destinations or refunds, as applicable.”

How FDTL rules affect flights

The updated FDTL norms, which aim to regulate pilot fatigue, are also one of the reasons behind the disruption. Pilots are now required to get 48 hours of weekly rest, and the number of night landings permitted has been reduced from six to just two.

DGCA data shows that IndiGo cancelled 1,232 flights in November, of which 755 were linked to crew shortages and FDTL compliance. The airline’s punctuality dropped sharply from 84.1% in October to 67.7% in November.