IndiGo Flight Chaos: Over 400 Flights Cancelled, Delhi Airport Most Affected | India Air Travel Crisis

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India's largest airline, IndiGo, has been hit by a severe service disruption for the fourth consecutive day, causing widespread travel chaos. According to Delhi airport officials, 135 IndiGo departures and 90 arrivals were cancelled on Friday, making it the worst-affected airport in the country. The disruptions, which have resulted in over 1,000 cancellations in four days, stem from a cascading operational breakdown triggered by an Airbus A320 software advisory and stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules. IndiGo was already struggling with a pilot shortage, leading to 25 daily flight cancellations, before the FDTL rules came into effect. The new regulations have reduced the number of flights pilots can operate, especially during late-night hours. The winter schedule, which increased flight frequencies from October 26, has further exacerbated the issue. The crisis has led to hundreds of passengers being left stranded, with many complaining of last-minute notices and lack of alternate options. IndiGo has attributed the crisis to 'misjudgment and planning gaps', acknowledging that actual crew requirements far exceeded its estimates when the FDTL rules were upheld by court order. The FDTL rules, which mandate a 48-hour weekly rest, limit maximum night landings to two per week, and restrict consecutive night duties to two, have hit IndiGo's high-frequency, high-utilisation model the hardest. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun inspections and found inadequate passenger-handling arrangements at airports. IndiGo has apologised to customers and indicated that flight reductions will continue for the next few days as part of a schedule reset. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. IndiGo has warned that stabilising operations will take time, and daily cancellations could remain elevated, significantly above normal levels. With limited alternatives for air travellers, disruption is expected to continue impacting thousands until the airline regains control of its schedule.