The Centre has issued strict directives to IndiGo Airlines after a week of widespread flight cancellations and operational disruptions left thousands of passengers stranded across multiple airports. With complaints rising sharply, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stepped in, mandating the airline to process all pending refunds for cancelled or disrupted flights by 8:00 PM on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
According to airport authorities, 18 out of 49 scheduled IndiGo flights eight arrivals and 10 departures were cancelled on Sunday alone, deepening concerns over the airline’s operational stability. In response, the government has also ordered IndiGo to establish dedicated passenger-support and refund-facilitation cells to proactively reach out to travellers, manage grievances, and ensure quick resolutions without repeated follow-ups.
The ministry emphasised that any delay or non-compliance in clearing refunds will attract immediate regulatory action. Passengers will not be charged any rescheduling fees if their original travel plans were affected.
To address logistical chaos, IndiGo has been directed to trace and deliver all stranded baggage within the next 48 hours, with airlines required to clearly communicate delivery timelines and offer compensation where applicable under passenger rights rules.
In a significant move to protect consumers, the ministry has also capped airfares on affected routes after noticing a surge in ticket prices triggered by IndiGo’s disruptions. All airlines have been instructed to follow these fare limits strictly to prevent exploitation of travellers, especially senior citizens, students, and patients requiring urgent travel.
IndiGo has confirmed that it will issue full refunds for all bookings cancelled between December 5 and December 15, aligning with the government’s directives.
Authorities have assured that oversight mechanisms are being tightened and coordination with airlines, airports, and security agencies will continue until flight operations stabilise.
The situation remains under close watch as the aviation sector works to minimise further inconvenience to passengers.
