IndiGo faced one of its biggest operational breakdowns this week, cancelling more than 550 domestic and international flights as new crew duty rules disrupted the airline’s roster planning.

The carrier assured India’s aviation regulator, DGCA, that full stability will return by 10 February 2026, although cancellations may continue for the next few days.

According to airport sources, Thursday saw massive cancellations across major hubs, Delhi (95), Mumbai (85), Hyderabad (70), and Bengaluru (50). The disruption continued on Friday, with 225 IndiGo flights cancelled at Delhi Airport alone.

Airports issue warnings

Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory urging travellers to check flight status before leaving home, citing widespread delays and cancellations. Extra staff have been deployed at several airports, including Pune, to manage crowds.

Why the chaos?

A DGCA review found that IndiGo struggled to implement the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, introduced to improve pilot fatigue management.

The airline admitted it miscalculated its crew needs, causing 170–200 cancellations daily. Winter weather and manpower shortages at terminals added to the chaos.

Appeal for exemption

IndiGo has asked DGCA for temporary relaxation of FDTL rules for its A320 fleet until February 2026, saying this will help stabilise schedules.

Impact on international flights

UAE-bound flights were also delayed, with some services from Delhi to Dubai running up to six hours late.

Regulator steps in

DGCA has ordered IndiGo to submit a detailed recovery plan covering:

• Rapid crew recruitment

• Roster restructuring

• Training schedules

• Safety assessments

• Regular progress reports

Government response

The aviation ministry has instructed the airline to normalise operations quickly, prevent fare hikes, and support stranded passengers with accommodation and timely updates.

IndiGo apologises

CEO Pieter Elbers admitted the airline is facing “severe operational turbulence” and apologised to passengers, promising to restore punctuality as soon as possible.