India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is facing severe operational challenges, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations in just three days. Passengers across the country are experiencing significant disruptions, with flights being canceled and delayed at major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad. In Thiruvananthapuram, four IndiGo flights were canceled, and several others were delayed, causing considerable distress. The situation has led to passengers being stranded for extended periods, with limited access to basic amenities like food and water. Many are forced to seek alternative flights, often at exorbitant prices, with reports of airfares doubling due to the crisis. IndiGo has acknowledged the issues, attributing them to crew shortages and technical glitches, and has requested an exemption from specific Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) provisions until February 10, 2026, to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline has assured the DGCA that corrective measures are in progress and normal operations are expected to resume by the new deadline. Further cancellations are anticipated in the coming days as IndiGo attempts to stabilize its schedule. The DGCA is closely monitoring the situation and has warned IndiGo against exploiting the crisis by increasing ticket prices. The Civil Aviation Minister has also intervened, directing airports to provide assistance to affected passengers.
