IndiGo has initiated a detailed root-cause analysis to identify the reasons behind the widespread flight cancellations and operational disruptions in recent days, said a senior airline official.
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
After six days of nationwide disruption, IndiGo on Sunday (December 7, 2025) reported significant progress in stabilising its flight operations, even as the Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed that the airline has processed ₹610 crore in refunds and delivered 3,000 pieces of delayed baggage to affected passengers.
The crisis, which began on Tuesday, had triggered more than 2,000 cancellations and widespread delays, leaving thousands stranded across airports in India.
IndiGo has initiated a detailed root-cause analysis to identify the reasons behind the widespread flight cancellations and operational disruptions in recent days, said a senior airline official.
On Sunday, the airline operated around 1,650 of its scheduled 2,300 domestic and international flights, while 650 remained cancelled. Flight disruptions persisted across major airports, though at a reduced scale, with 115 cancellations in Hyderabad, 112 in Mumbai, 109 in Delhi, 38 in Chennai and 11 in Amritsar. IndiGo said it now expects its network to stabilise fully by December 10, advancing its earlier timeline of December 10–15.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday issued notices to IndiGo chief executive officer (CEO) Pieter Elbers and chief operating officer (COO) and accountable manager Isidre Porqueras, seeking explanations within 24 hours over the massive operational breakdown. As of Sunday evening, neither the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) nor IndiGo confirmed whether the airline had submitted its response.
The MoCA said that even as IndiGo reeled under severe operational strain, all other domestic airlines were functioning smoothly and at full capacity. IndiGo’s recovery trajectory, the Ministry noted, reflected a sharp climb from 706 flights on December 5 to 1,565 flights on December 6, with further improvements visible on Sunday.
To prevent airlines from exploiting the temporary surge in demand following IndiGo’s cancellations, the Ministry imposed immediate fare caps on affected routes. This regulatory intervention helped restore airfares to reasonable levels, officials said. Airlines have been instructed to comply strictly with the revised fare band to ensure travellers are not overcharged.
The Ministry also ordered IndiGo to complete all pending refunds for cancelled or severely delayed flights by 8 p.m. on Sunday. It prohibited the airline from levying any rescheduling fees for passengers impacted by disruptions. Special support cells have been deployed to accelerate refund resolution and assist travellers requiring rebooking.
In parallel, the MoCA directed IndiGo to trace and deliver all misplaced or separated baggage within 48 hours. With this push, the airline has already delivered 3,000 pieces of baggage across the country.
Airport Directors from major hubs — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Goa — confirmed smooth terminal operations on Sunday, with no crowding reported at check-in, security or boarding points. Enhanced ground support, active monitoring and coordinated facilitation helped ease passenger movement.
The MoCA’s 24×7 Control Room continues to oversee flight operations and passenger support. The Ministry reiterated that passenger convenience and dignity remain its top priority and assured continued monitoring until IndiGo achieves full operational normalcy.
Published – December 07, 2025 11:08 pm IST
