IndiGo Flight Cancellations Disrupt Passengers Across India

IndiGo, India’s largest airline in terms of market share, is currently going through one of the worst operational phases in its history. Long lines, lots of missed connections, and massive delays at Indian airports create confusion for many people. All these events transpire above their heads. Thousands of passengers were left waiting long hours before an announcement was made. The chaos has attracted a lot of media coverage. It has become one of the most widely discussed stories on social media.

Widespread Cancellation and Delay Problems Affect Major Airports

Wednesday was another busy day for IndiGo with over 40 flights cancelled from Hyderabad alone. At least 10 IndiGo flights had both legs of the flights cancelled from Kolkata. Also, from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru had well over 42 cancelled. Crowded terminals, people lined up for miles, equipment that can’t keep up with demand. The atmosphere throughout India continues to be filled with confusion.

Immediate and far-reaching consequences were felt by thousands of traveling passengers. They missed critical connections, missed crucial business meetings, and received no advance notification from IndiGo.

Passenger Frustrations Grow as Communication Issues Continue

Social media contains countless reports from passengers. Many shared video clips and files showcasing severely overcrowded information boards. Also, many, many IndiGo flights that have been either “Delayed” or “Cancelled.”

Many people from cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata are very unhappy with IndiGo. They claimed that they were not notified about sudden changes to their flight schedules prior to these changes being implemented.

Numerous people shared that they had been waiting at the airport with their families, including elderly parents and infants, for several hours without knowing what their new flight schedules were or if they had any other options.

IndiGo responded by stating that the operational issues were due to a number of reasons, including the following:

Staffing Issues

IndiGo stated that they have a shortage of crew members due to the current flight duty times restrictions, which restrict the number of hours a crew member can work and take off between shifts. Due to this, IndiGo stated there was less crew availability when an individual’s flight got canceled or rescheduled than there was when the flight was originally scheduled.

Technology Issues and Winter Travel Demand

There were minor technology issues as well as schedule changes on account of winter travel times. The increased flight demand at numerous airports also created greater congestion for individuals.

Network Operational Problems

The combination of these issues resulted in a domino effect that resulted in more than 1,200 flights affected over the course of the past two days.

Strategies to Limit Further Disruption by IndiGo in Next 48 Hours

IndiGo Airlines has outlined a series of steps that will help them cope with the recent operational disruptions:

• Revised scheduling of flights to achieve greater operational stability.
• Re-establishment of normal operations in next 48 hours.
• Staff will be available at any time, day or night, to assist impacted travellers with their needs as they arise.
• Travel Alternatives or Refund Options to be made available for affected travellers.
• All travellers are encouraged to check IndiGo’s website for the current status of their flight prior to proceeding to the airport.
• IndiGo regrets the inconvenience caused and looks forward to providing a safe and reliable service to travellers.

DGCA Launches Investigation into IndiGo Operational Disruptions

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry into the IndiGo operational disruptions for which they have requested thorough and complete responses from IndiGo, as well as detailed mitigation strategies outlining how IndiGo plans to prevent a recurrence of these issues.

IndiGo has also been instructed to provide detailed explanations regarding the reasons for the amount of cancellations that occurred including but not limited to staff issues, technical issues and outside operational issues.

Aviation Industry on Standby as Interruptions Persist

In response to the recent cancellations of a large volume of flights in a very short time by IndiGo, experts within the Aviation Industry are highlighting how fragile the Indian Aviation Industry has become due to how easily minor operational issues can quickly build on themselves due to how interrelated the various routes are throughout the country.

IndiGo is warning that disruptions could continue for 48 more hours and recommends customers stay informed and plan accordingly.

This story continues to be a major recent news updates within the Indian Aviation Industry.