India's aviation sector is facing severe disruption as IndiGo, the country's largest carrier with 60% market share, has canceled hundreds of flights following three days of widespread operational chaos. The airline is grappling with pilot shortages after failing to adapt to new flight duty regulations requiring increased rest hours and reduced nighttime operations.
The crisis has left thousands of passengers stranded across major airports including Delhi, where all IndiGo flights were canceled on Friday. The airline estimates operations won't return to normal until February 10th and has announced reduced flight schedules starting December 8th to minimize disruptions. While reports suggest IndiGo may have received temporary waivers from the new rest rules, the Airline Pilots Association of India warns this compromises passenger safety.
India's aviation regulator has criticized the airline's "misjudgment and planning gaps" and demanded immediate submission of crew recruitment, training, and safety mitigation plans. The disruptions coincide with peak travel season combining school holidays and wedding celebrations, prompting major airports to advise passengers to verify flight status before traveling. IndiGo is offering fee waivers for December 5-15 travel changes and providing accommodation for affected passengers, though many travelers report inadequate communication and support at airports.
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