India's Flight Fiasco: IndiGo Cancellations Send Airfares Soaring
Image Source: Internet
New Delhi: A nationwide IndiGo flight cancellation crisis has sent shockwaves through India's air travel industry, with airfares skyrocketing to unprecedented levels. According to booking data, same-day non-stop flights from major hubs like Delhi to major cities are now costing up to double the rates available for neighboring dates. Data from MakeMyTrip shows the cheapest Delhi-Bengaluru flight on December 6 costs over ₹40,000, while some options exceed ₹80,000. For Delhi to Mumbai, passengers are being charged a minimum of ₹36,107, with the maximum amount exceeding ₹56,000. Return trips from Delhi are costing a minimum of ₹23,000, while the maximum reaches ₹37,000. In comparison, international flights from Delhi to Dubai are available for around ₹25,855, making them cheaper than domestic travel. A Delhi to Bangkok flight costs around ₹18,747, further highlighting the disparity. The disruption is attributed to massive operational setbacks at IndiGo, with over 500 flights delayed or cancelled nationwide, leaving airports overcrowded and passengers stranded. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo a one-time exemption from two rules until February 10, 2026, to help stabilise operations. Passengers across multiple airports have expressed frustration over the operational failure, citing staff shortages and new rules for crew members as the cause. IndiGo has apologised for the inconvenience and assured passengers that they will do everything to help and bring operations back to normal at the earliest.
