New Delhi, December 5, 2025 – IndiGo, India’s largest airline, cancelled all domestic flights from Delhi Airport until midnight and over 1,000 flights nationwide since early December due to DGCA pilot rest rules, crew shortages, and operational challenges, stranding thousands at hubs like Bengaluru (100+ cancellations), Hyderabad (90+), and Chennai.
CEO Apology and Recovery Timeline
CEO Pieter Elbers apologized for the chaos from new November 2025 fatigue norms requiring 12-hour weekly rests, announcing a 20% capacity cut from December 8 with full stabilization by February 10, 2026. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu monitors the situation amid #IndiGoChaos trending with 50,000+ X posts; automatic refunds and waivers for December 5-15 rescheduling offered.
Impact on Passengers and Industry
Passengers face 12+ hour delays, protests, baggage issues, and minimal refunds at Kempegowda, IGIA Delhi, and other airports, worsening India’s 15% delay rise per IATA. Rivals like Air India gain; potential ₹500 crore compensation claims loom amid fuel costs and rupee at 90/USD.
