IndiGo Flights Cancellation LIVE Updates: 300+ disruptions across India in 3 days; airline shares down 2.25%

— Cancellations: A total of 95 IndiGo flights, 48 departures and 47 arrivals across both domestic and international sectors have been cancelled since morning, according to airport authorities.
— Cause of the disruption: The low-cost carrier has been beset by an acute pilot shortage since new FDTL norms were implemented in two phases on July 1 and November 1.
— What are FDTL rules: These norms are designed to combat fatigue and boost rest periods of pilots, mandating increased weekly rest periods to 48 hours, extension of night hours, and limiting the number of night landings to two, down from six earlier.
— Airline's warning: IndiGo apologised for the crippling disruption and warned travellers to brace themselves for further cancellations through Friday, 5 December.
— Compensation for passengers: The airline notified its customers that those who were affected by the disruption will be offered alternate travel arrangements to reach their destinations or refunds, as applicable.
Amid significant nationwide disruptions in IndiGo’s operations, Captain CS Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots, on Thursday outlined several reasons he believes are behind the airline’s flight cancellations and delays.
Speaking to ANI at Mumbai Airport about the ongoing situation, Randhawa highlighted that IndiGo's extensive network has worsened the impact of the disruptions. "Indigo operates approximately 2,200 flights all over India," he said.
He emphasised that staff shortage is the primary reason behind the operational issues. "Most of these flight disruptions, cancellations, and delays have been attributable to, firstly, the crew shortage," he stated.
Randhawa also cited the airline’s fleet expansion without adequate staffing as another factor. "Secondly, they have been inducting aircraft. It must be appreciated that when you induct an aircraft, you must have an adequate number of crews per aircraft," he said. He pointed to problems with crew scheduling over recent months. "Thirdly, Indigo pilots were flying about 55 to 57 hours. After 1st November, they offered pilots the option to buy back their leave... The crew rostering of the pilots was totally inappropriate. They did not plan the crews correctly," he added.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised the airline for the disruption caused to passengers.
In a post on X on Thursday, she said, "Indigo Airlines operations have been badly hit, leading to massive passenger distress. I have repeatedly raised concerns over the duopoly that prevails in the air, which leads to higher air fares, poor infrastructure, and flight cancellations."
She further added, "It's a shame and I hope the aviation minister will give a suo moto statement on this issue in the parliament."
CPI MP P. Sandosh Kumar on Thursday expressed concern over the ongoing surge in IndiGo flight delays and cancellations nationwide, urging the Union government to step in and address the operational issues of India’s largest private airline.
Speaking to ANI, Sandosh Kumar stated, "IndiGo is the largest private player in this field (aviation)... But at the same time, there are hundreds of complaints of non-accuracy, delay and cancellations."
Pointing out the lack of a national carrier following Air India’s privatisation, he added, "But at the same time, we don't have a national airline. So, we have to bank on these private players."
Appealing for government intervention, he remarked, "I think IndiGo can correct its infrastructure and position. Union Ministry must take care of it. We don't have any other option left..."