NEW DELHI : IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has been grappling with severe operational disruptions as pilot rostering issues led to the cancellation of over 400 flights on Friday. The airline, already struggling with staffing shortages, has left hundreds of passengers stranded for extended periods, with some waiting for up to three days at airports.
Passengers were met with long delays, some lasting more than 12 hours, as several flights were either delayed or cancelled at major hubs across the country. The situation was further exacerbated by misplaced baggage, triggering protests and complaints from frustrated travellers. The disruptions have now entered their fourth consecutive day, with many customers expressing anger over the lack of clear communication and insufficient assistance. “It’s been three days, and we’re still waiting. No one is telling us anything. It’s a nightmare,” said one stranded passenger at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The root cause of the ongoing chaos has been identified as a shortage of pilots, which was reportedly not anticipated due to planning deficiencies. Sources within the airline confirmed that the issue arose from a lack of foresight in managing pilot schedules, leading to a situation where flights could not operate as planned. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reportedly stepping in to ensure the airline resolves the issue. In a statement, IndiGo said it was working to minimise the disruptions and has been in contact with affected passengers to provide support and compensation where applicable.
As the airline scrambles to recover its operations, many passengers remain hopeful for a swift resolution, though the extent of the recovery remains uncertain.
