The disruption in IndiGo operations continued for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, stranding thousands of passengers and testing the handling capacity of the airports. Delhi was the worst affected, as all its IndiGo flights were cancelled till midnight, accounting for 235 departures. In Chennai airport, all flights were cancelled till 6 pm, while in Bengaluru, 52 incoming and 50 outgoing flights were scrapped. A total of 92 flights were cancelled in Hyderabad on the day. Over 1,000 flights have been axed in just four days.
Also Read | IndiGo apologises as flight cancellations cross 550; Delhi, Mumbai worst affected
Why are IndiGo flights being cancelled?
The troubles for the airline began earlier this week when an advisory over software updates on its Airbus A320 caused a domino effect of delays, pushing several flights into late-night operations. The situation turned worse with the implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), restricting the working hours of the crew.
IndiGo has told the DGCA that the mass cancellations are due to planning gaps during Phase 2 of the FDTL rules. The airline said normal operations may only be stabilised by February 10 next year. IndiGo operates over 2,200 flights daily on both domestic and international routes. The carrier said the teams are “working around the clock to ease customer discomfort and ensure operations stabilise as quickly as possible” and asked travellers to check the real-time flight status before leaving for the airport.
IndiGo refund and rescheduling policy
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, IndiGo said that the passengers affected by cancellations are entitled to a full refund or a free date/time change. Refunds can be initiated through IndiGo’s website using the ‘Plan B’ option, with the refund typically reflecting in the passenger’s account in seven business days. Tickets booked through travel agents require passengers to liaise directly with the agency.
Also Read | IndiGo under pressure: Over 200 flights cancelled, airfares soar sky-high | What's happening?
Your rights under DGCA rules
As per the report by the Hindustan Times, under DGCA regulations, passengers can also get compensation of ₹5,000-₹10,000 if the airline does not inform them about a cancellation at least two weeks in advance. Compensation will depend upon flight duration:
Flights up to 1 hour: ₹5,000 ((or basic fare + fuel charge, whichever is lower)
Flights 1–2 hours: ₹7,500 (or basic fare + fuel charge, whichever is lower)
Flights over 2 hours: ₹10,000 (or basic fare + fuel charge, whichever is lower)
Reportedly, if the flight is cancelled or is late for more than six hours, passengers can decline alternate flights and request a full refund. Cash or bank transfer refunds must be made immediately, while credit card refunds are to be made within seven days. Passengers whose refund or compensation claims are rejected can file complaints through the AirSewa portal or approach DGCA nodal officers at major airports.
