All domestic flights operated by IndiGo from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi have been cancelled until midnight, airport officials announced on Friday morning. The move comes as part of a widespread operational disruption that has already forced IndiGo to cancel its most flights ever in a single day – over 500 flights were scrapped across multiple airports on Thursday alone.
While the airport’s advisory specified cancellations lasting until 12:00 a.m., regulators at Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reportedly indicated the suspension might be limited up to 3:00 p.m., generating confusion among passengers. Either way, the synchronised cancellations have left thousands of travellers stranded, scrambling for alternative flights or accommodations.
According to sources, the disruption stems from the airline’s inability to comply with new flight‑duty time regulations imposed in recent months. Under the revised norms, pilots must observe stricter weekly rest periods – increasing mandatory rest from 36 to 48 hours per week – and face reduced allowance for night‑time flying. Because of these rules, many pilots scheduled under earlier rosters could no longer operate flights. In turn, the airline found itself short of crew for hundreds of flights.
IndiGo operates around 2,200 flights daily under normal circumstances. The scale of these cancellations – affecting flights from Delhi and many other airports – amounts to one of the largest disruptions in its two‑decade history. Among the consequences: massive delays, growing frustration among passengers, unclaimed luggage piling up at airports, and widespread criticism of the airline’s preparedness. Passengers described long waits – sometimes over 12 hours – without food or water; many reportedly slept on terminal floors while waiting for updates.
The airline has admitted that it misjudged crew requirements when the new regulations came into effect. To forestall further disruption, IndiGo has requested temporary exemptions – allowing it to continue night‑time flights – until February 10, 2026, giving it time to recruit more crew and stabilise operations. Its CEO has issued an apology to affected passengers and asserted that the airline is working closely with DGCA and government agencies to restore normal operations as soon as possible.
As of now, there is no clear timeline for when services will fully resume. IndiGo itself has warned of further cancellations through December 8 if required, reasoning that a reduction in schedule might be unavoidable to prevent a recurrence of chaotic disruptions.
