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With over a thousand cancellations, flooded airports and a sea of angry flyers, chaos only intensified for IndiGo on Friday. The only thing touching the sky for India's largest airline may be its bad luck.
To all the frustrated flyers and their loved ones, we wish more timely and safer flights land your way. Until then, we take your leave!
This is Khushi Maheshwari, signing off.
More than half or over a thousand IndiGo flights were cancelled on Friday
DCGA formed a four-member committee to review the matter in detail
DCGA also granted a one time exemption on specific requirements of new flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules for pilots to IndiGo till Feb. 10, 2026
IndiGo CEO issued apology, said he expects normalcy to return by Dec.15
FOIs from Indigo whose rating and license are current, engaged with DGCA have been released for flight duties and simulator checks to assist Indigo for one week.
IndiGo to restart operations by tomorrow in limited capacity
We are sorry 🙏 pic.twitter.com/8DmY2rJrjR
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 5, 2025
From tomorrow operations will be normal at all the metro airports, Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu told NDTV.
We have been discussing with the airline, we will thoroughly going to do enquiry
Fault is at Indigo Level, not at ministry level, this is a problem with IndiGo only
There will be action on them, we will not entertain, focus is on passengers not on airline.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Friday granted a one time exemption on specific requirements of new flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules for pilots to IndiGo till Feb. 10, 2026.
The exemption has been granted solely to facilitate operational stabilisation and does not amounts to dilution of safety requirements, the regulator said in a statement.
During this period, DGCA will review after every fifteen days, the action taken by the airline to address the situation including hiring of adequate crew to ensure FDTL compliance.
Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, dropped over 7% in the past four days ever since a crisis engulfed the airline, where it cancelled a large number of flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded for several hours. In the past four trading days, the stock has lost 7.23% on the BSE.
Pilots' body Airlines' Pilots Association (ALPA) India on Friday took 'strong' objection to safety regulator DGCA's 'selective and unsafe' relief to domestic carrier IndiGo, amid widescale cancellations, saying the decision sets a dangerous precedent.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) earlier in the day granted IndiGo temporary exemption from stricter night duty rules for pilots.
In a letter to the DGCA on Friday, ALPA-India said the decision not only sets a 'dangerous precedent' but also undermines the very principle and purpose of the civil aviation requirement under which the norms have been formulated.
"With limited capacity, Indigo is going to start operations from tomorrow. Full capacity of Indigo operations getting back will probably take couple of more days," said Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, as reported by NDTV.
#NDTVExclusive | "With limited capacity, Indigo is going to start operations from tomorrow. Full capacity of Indigo operations getting back will probably take couple of more days": Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu (@RamMNK) to @vasudha156 on the ongoing #Indigo chaos pic.twitter.com/dsbZ19M2pp
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 5, 2025
FOIs from Indigo whose rating and license are current, engaged with DGCA have been released for flight duties and simulator checks to assist Indigo for one week.
Currently, DGCA has 12 flight operations inspectors (FOI) on deputation from IndiGo. These FOIs have been allowed to take up flying duties to facilitate Indigo pilot scheduling for a week.
(Source: Statement)
In further relaxation, DGCA has allowed to increase pilot strength internally. DGCA permits IndiGo to enable pilots deployed elsewhere or are under Designated Examiner (DE) refresher training.
(Source: Statement)
DGCA has granted one time exemption on specific requirements of FDTL norms to IndiGo till 10th February 2026. This exemption has been granted solely to facilitate operational stabilisation. In no way this amounts to dilution of safety requirements. DGCA would review after every fifteen days actions taken by Indigo. DGCA will review how IndiGo is complying to hire adequate crew to ensure FDTL compliance.
(Source: official statement)
The ordeal of IndiGo passengers does not seem to ebb with many complaining that the airline is still not communicating to them about flight delays and cancellations, all of which was adding to the travel cost.
Muneeb Chaurasiya had a flight on Thursday from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai along with a friend and his mother. But when he reached Gorakhpur airport, which is 44 kilometres from his residence, to take the 4 p.m. flight, he was told that it was delayed.
At 9 p.m., the airlines communicated to him that the flight has been cancelled and rescheduled to Friday.
On Friday, when Chaurasiya reached the airport, he was again told that the flight had been cancelled.
(Source: PTI)
IndiGo Chaos: Angry Passengers Share Their Ordeal With NDTV @gauried @padmajajoshi pic.twitter.com/jGW4jdV2xT
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 5, 2025
On IndiGo flight cancellations, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says, "The immediate priority for us is to bring back normalcy and provide all the support to the passengers."
#WATCH | On IndiGo flight cancellations, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says, "The immediate priority for us is to bring back normalcy and provide all the support to the passengers." pic.twitter.com/PzqypaEKuE
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
"We’ve issued detailed updates on refunds, cancellations and support. We have increased call-centre capacity. Most travellers stuck at major airports will be flown today", CEO Elbers said.
In view of the passenger demand because of cancellation and other issues in air travel Central Railway is planning seven special trains —
CSMT Nagpur
CSMT Nizamuddin
CSMT Hawrah
CSMT Madgaon
CSMT Lucknow/ Banaras
Pune Bangalore
Nagpur Pune
(Source: NDTV)
"We request customers whose flights are cancelled not to come to the airport and rely on notifications", he said.
IndiGo CEO Elbers expects normalcy to return between Dec 10-15
"We cancelled flights today to realign crews and aircraft so we can start afresh tomorrow. Earlier steps were inadequate, so we’ve done a full operational reboot today. We expect cancellations to drop below 1,000 tomorrow, aided by DGCA’s temporary FDTL relief", he said.
We have three lines of action:
Firstly, Customer communication and addressing your needs. For this, messages have been sent on social media and just now a more detailed communication with information on refunds, cancellations and other customer support measures was sent. Also, we have stepped up our call center capacity.
Secondly, due to yesterday’s situation we had customers stranded mostly at the nation’s largest airports. Our focus was, for all of them to travel today itself, which will be achieved. For this, we also ask customers whose flights are cancelled not to come to airports as notifications are sent on this.
-Thirdly, cancellations were made for today as to align our crew and planes to be where they need to start afresh tomorrow morning.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers issued a public apology while acknowledging that the airline faced most severe impact of flight disruptions on Dec. 5 with well over a thousand, or more than half of their daily flights cancelled.
Starting late November 2025, DGCA observed IndiGo's inability to accurately forecast crew availability; DGCA also observed inability of IndiGo to conduct timely training and realign rosters. Despite advance regulatory intimation, this resulted in cascading delays and cancellations across its network.
In an order, the aviation watchdog said that it issued repeated directions & advance instructions from time to time to Indigo. Directions were issued to IndiGo for having timely preparation to implement the provisions of the new FDTL norms.
However, it observed IndiGo's inability to accurately forecast crew availability, conduct timely training and realign rosters. Therefore, despite advance regulatory intimation, this resulted in cascading delays and cancellations across its network.
A four-member committee has been composed to undertake comprehensive review
Committe to assess the circumstances that lead to such massive disruption in the scheduled flights
Committe members:
1) Sanjay K. Bramhane, Joint Director General
2) Amit Gupta, Deputy Director General
3) Capt. Kapil Manglik,Senior Flight Operations Inspector
4) Capt.Lokesh Rampal, Flight Operations Inspector
(Source: DGCA Order)
Indian Railways have added coaches in to/fro Delhi passenger trains amid Indigo disruption. Check Details:
Northern Railways has added coaches for passenger convenience
Extra 3A coach added in Jammu Tawi-New Delhi Rajdhani
Extra 3A coach in Dibrugarh-Delhi Rajdhani
Extra chair car coach in Delhi-Chandigarh Shatabdi
Extra chair car coach in Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi
Further arrangements are under planning
(Source: Railway Spokesperson)
Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu in an official government statement said —
Several operational measures have been directed to ensure that normal airline services are restored at the earliest and that the inconvenience caused to travellers is significantly reduced.
Based on the immediate implementation of these directives, we expect that flight schedules will begin to stabilise and return to normal by tomorrow.
We anticipate that complete restoration of services will be achieved within the next three days.
(Source: PIB)
Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken urgent and proactive measures to address the ongoing disruption in flight schedules, particularly those of Indigo Airlines. The Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) orders of the DGCA have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect. Without compromising on air safety, this decision has been taken solely in the interest of passengers, especially senior citizens, students, patients, and others who rely on timely air travel for essential needs.
(Source: Statement on PIB)
The Government of India has decided to institute a high-level inquiry into this disruption. The inquiry will examine what went wrong at Indigo, It will determine accountability wherever required for appropriate actions.
Speaking to PTI Videos outside the Srinagar airport, a traveller, Rishabh Kumar from Kolkata, said passengers were facing harassments at the hands of the airline.
(Source: PTI)
Chaotic scenes unfolded at the two commercial airports in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday after 13 IndiGo flights from Srinagar and 11 from Jammu were cancelled, prompting protests from hundreds of stranded passengers over the airline's alleged failure to respond to distress calls.
(Source: PTI)
India's largest airline cancelled 31 domestic flights from Goa's Dabolim airport till noon.
Amid a slew of cancellations, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has advised passengers to check their latest flight status before heading to the airport.
(Source: PTI)
IndiGo flights to Mumbai and Delhi cancelled at Bengaluru Airport.
As IndiGo Runs Into Turbulence, A Look At Performance Of Indian Airlines https://t.co/7MFrlF7aSw pic.twitter.com/BR3yOPEME7
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 5, 2025
Amid flight disruptions, a woman carrying her father's ashes to Haridwar was stuck at Bengaluru Airport.
IndiGo Chaos: Woman Carrying Father's Ashes To Haridwar Stuck In Bengaluruhttps://t.co/jUMy5O1Cm2 pic.twitter.com/qHbmBEqPYy
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 5, 2025
"We Are Truly Sorry": IndiGo To Customers Amid Flight Cancellation Chaoshttps://t.co/CSMlVGEf6n pic.twitter.com/lXxZLN4WQl
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 5, 2025
IndiGo's on-time performance plummeted to 8.5% on Thursday, with worsening operational disruptions impacting flight schedules.
(Source: PTI)
A couple which tied the knot in Bhubaneswar, planned a formal reception planned in the bride’s hometown. However, with their flight getting axed, they had to appear on screen at their own reception.
Read the whole story here.
A couple which tied the knot in Bhubaneswar, planned a formal reception planned in the bride’s hometown. However, with their flight getting axed, they had to appear on screen at their own reception.
Read the whole story here.
As of now, 84 departures and 71 arrivals are cancelled from the Hyderabad airport.
Update from Delhi Airport:
IndiGo is getting passengers who had initial destinations to the southern region like Coimbatore, Kerala, onto a Chennai flight right now. They've processed a Delhi to Chennai flight, boarding passes issued, passengers being boarded now, spoken to one such passenger who's just gotten a fresh boarding pass.
Source: NDTV
People of Bengaluru airport claim "deliberate attempt by IndiGo because they are unable to follow rules set by authorities"
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 5, 2025
NDTV's @dpkBopanna brings more voices of disgruntled passengers from the airport pic.twitter.com/kUPihkhJYQ
"EaseMyTrip is closely monitoring the situation around the recent flight cancellations and is fully committed to supporting all impacted customers," said the company in a statement.
All IndiGo domestic flights operating from Terminal 1 are cancelled until 11:59 p.m. today at Chennai International Airport.
All @IndiGo6E domestic flights operating from Terminal 1 are cancelled until 2359 hrs on 05.12.2025.#ChennaiAirport continues to coordinate closely with airline representatives to minimise inconvenience and provide all possible support to passengers during this period. pic.twitter.com/CvnR5Rmqpy
— Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) December 5, 2025
SpiceJet has added extra flights from the Delhi airport.
Quick update
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) December 5, 2025
We have added additional departures from Delhi and Mumbai today for your convenience.#flyspicejet #spicejet #Delhi #Mumbai #AdditionalFlights #flights #aviation #addspicetoyourtravel pic.twitter.com/l4zmUoenVC
Ministry has setup a control room to monitor the situation
Aviation Minister visited the control room and reviewed its functioning
Minister is ensuring seamless communication among all stakeholders
Special focus on providing timely information to passengers
As per the directions of Hon’ble Minister Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu Ji, the control room at the Ministry has been continuously engaging to maintain constant vigil over the unprecedented situation arising from the cancellation and delays of IndiGo flights.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 5, 2025
This morning, the Hon’ble… pic.twitter.com/ng0qR1MGqR
"We are known for our reliability but in these last few days we have a serious operational crisis," said the airline.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 5, 2025
Source: Maanya Srivastava for NDTV Profit
DGCA changes the definition of night duty for IndiGo till Feb 10, 2026
Night Duty hours changed to midnight till 5:00 a.m.
Phase-II FDTL norms redefined the night duty as midnight till 6:00 a.m.
DGCA cuts night duty slot by 1 hour only for IndiGo
Alert: Pilots are allowed only two landings during the night duty versus four landings in day shift
Praveen Khandelwal, Chandni Chowk MP and Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), demands:
A comprehensive investigation into IndiGo’s widespread breakdown
Mandatory compensation for all affected passengers
Corrective regulatory measures to prevent such failures in the future
Stronger enforcement of passenger rights across all airlines
“This is not merely an airline issue—this is a public rights issue,” Khandelwal asserted.
DGCA says:
As we approach the fog season, the peak holiday period, and the marriage travel season, it is crucial that the industry prepares for even greater operational challenges
Given this situation, we earnestly request the full cooperation of all pilot bodies, associations, and Pilots across India
DGCA says:
Request for cooperation from All Pilot Associations and Pilots Amid Ongoing Air Travel Disruptions
The aviation sector is experiencing significant strain due to various factors including IndiGo
These disruptions have led to delays, passenger inconvenience, and increased pressure on airline operations
The open letter also highlights that those facing passengers were not responsible for the decisions that led to the crisis. “We did not design rosters. We did not freeze hiring. We did not delay preparedness. Yet we carried the entire public cost,” the employees wrote.
Read the whole story by clicking the link below.
Status of 6E flights at Mumbai Airport today:
Departure - 85 flights
Arrival - 80 flights
Total cancellations: 165
IndiGo on Friday confirmed that all IndiGo domestic flights departing from Delhi Airport have been cancelled till 11:59 p.m.
"We express our profound apologies to all our valued customers and stakeholders who have been significantly impacted by these unforeseen events," the company said.
The company is offering passengers options for the next available flight along with hotel accommodation and assistance in retrieving their luggage and full refunds, as applicable.
Here are all the details on the DGCA's withdrawal of weekly rest instructions.
#Breaking | In a major relief to airlines, #DGCA withdraws instructions regarding weekly rest.
— NDTV Profit (@NDTVProfitIndia) December 5, 2025
Here's @Daanish_Anand with the details. pic.twitter.com/gNaHNflcE2
Stranded passengers search for their luggage near a counter at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after IndiGo cancelled more than 400 flights at various airports on Friday.
Stranded passengers search for their luggage near a counter at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after IndiGo cancelled more than 400 flights at various airports on Friday.
Source: PTI
Airlines will now get more flexibility in rostering
Weekly rest can now be met even if the crew member is on leave
Airlines can now use leave in place of weekly rest if required
Airlines had given representations to DGCA
Airlines highlighted operational disruptions and the need for continuity and stability in flying schedules
DGCA has decided the earlier restriction was affecting operations
The issue came up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Tiwari said that the flight cancellations affected several MPs who had made travel plans for the weekend.
Source: NDTV
Airline Pilots Association India says:
ALPA has demanded DGCA to immediately withdraw all dispensations granted to IndiGo
DGCA must investigate alleged artificial pilot-shortage narrative
DGCA must take punitive and legal action against IndiGo management
DGCA must fully enforce FDTL CAR Rev 2 (2024) without any exemptions
Airline Pilots Association India says:
DGCA’s move has destroyed parity between airlines
This undermines DGCA’s neutrality and compromised fatigue safety norms
This puts millions of passengers at elevated risk
ALPA fears other airlines will also seek same support from DGCA
Airline Pilots Association India says:
Night definition relaxed & landings encroaching night doubled (from 2 to 4) will directly affects pilot fatigue
These changes dilute scientifically established fatigue protections
ALPA accused IndiGo for engineering a crisis
IndiGo expanded winter schedule, despite knowing implementation of upcoming Phase II of FDTL
ALPA feels the large-scale disruptions surfaced 35 days after implementation,
This is raising suspicion of a manufactured pilot shortage narrative to pressure DGCA
Airline Pilots Association India writes to DGCA:
ALPA India strongly objects to selective & unsafe dispensation granted to IndiGo on FDTL implementation
During a 24 Nov 2025 meeting, DGCA assured no exemptions would be given to any airline
Despite this, IndiGo received special relaxation from FDTL Phase II norms
Source: Letter accessed by NDTV Profit
In Maharashtra, between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., 16 arrivals and 16 departures were cancelled, while one Nagpur–Pune flight was diverted to Hyderabad, according to the Pune Airport Director.
IndiGo flight cancellations across metro airports as on 10 AM
Hyderabad - 92
Delhi - 225
Bengaluru - 102
Mumbai - 104
Total - 523 flights
As many as 550 flights were cancelled on Thursday alone - the most ever by IndiGo, an airline that prides itself on its punctuality, in a single day - across multiple airports, including Delhi.
IndiGo's OTP on Dec. 04 slipped below 10%, to stand at 8.5%.
Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation
IndiGo's OTP on Dec. 04 slipped below 10%, to stand at 8.5%.
Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation
All IndiGo flights today have been cancelled, said Delhi Airport in a passenger advisory.
Passenger Advisory issued at 11:10 Hours#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/dZBdrW5aob
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 5, 2025
Hello, and welcome to NDTV Profit's coverage of India's largest airline as its battles disruptions. Nationwide cancellations crossed 500 flights on Friday, as IndiGo struggles to adjust to the government’s stricter crew safety and flight duty-time limitation norms.
Stay tuned for all the updates.
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