Indigo Crisis / GMR Issues Advisory Amid Flight Cancellations, DGCA Caps Airfares

Indigo Airlines is currently grappling with a severe operational crisis, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations and delays across the country. This situation has caused widespread inconvenience for thousands of passengers and has drawn the attention of aviation regulatory bodies, while delhi Airport operator GMR has issued a crucial advisory for travelers amidst this crisis, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken stringent measures to control the situation and protect passenger interests. The crisis stems from a combination of crew shortages and challenges in complying. With Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, raising questions about the airline's operational reliability.

GMR's Crucial Advisory for Travelers

In light of the persistent operational challenges at Indigo, GMR, the operator of Delhi Airport, has released an official statement urging passengers to exercise caution and preparedness. The advisory specifically recommends that all travelers flying with Indigo verify. The latest status of their flights before departing from their homes. This proactive measure is intended to help passengers avoid unnecessary inconvenience and prolonged waits at the airport. GMR emphasized its commitment to passenger comfort, stating that its teams are working diligently to minimize delays and ensure a smooth travel experience. For any immediate assistance, passengers are directed to the airport's information desks, where staff are available to provide support. On top of that, GMR highlighted the availability of various public transportation options, such as the metro, buses, and cabs, for convenient travel to and from the airport. This step aims to empower passengers to stay informed and prepared during the current climate of uncertainty.

The Unprecedented Scale of Cancellations

The operational crisis at Indigo has resulted in an alarming number of flight cancellations over several consecutive days. On Sunday, December 7, more than 650 Indigo flights were cancelled, severely affecting travel plans from major hubs including Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Mumbai, and Trichy. This followed an even larger disruption on Friday, when over 1600 flights were reportedly cancelled, and approximately 800 flights were grounded on Saturday, while the cumulative effect of these cancellations has created a ripple effect across the aviation network, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or forced to alter their travel itineraries at short notice. The sheer volume of affected flights underscores the severity of the challenges Indigo is currently facing, impacting both domestic and potentially international connections. The consistent high number of cancellations points to a deep-seated issue within the airline's operational framework.

The root cause of Indigo's widespread flight disruptions has been attributed to a. Combination of crew shortages and issues related to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules. These FDTL regulations are critical for ensuring the safety and well-being of flight crew members by stipulating maximum flying hours and mandatory rest periods. A shortage of adequately rested and available crew members directly impedes an airline's. Ability to operate its scheduled flights in compliance with these strict safety guidelines. The ongoing crisis suggests that Indigo's planning and resource allocation for its flight crew may have been insufficient to meet its operational demands, leading to a cascading effect of delays and cancellations as the airline struggles to staff its flights while adhering to regulatory requirements. This fundamental issue is at the heart of the current operational turmoil.

DGCA's Stern Intervention and Show-Cause Notices

In response to the escalating crisis and the significant inconvenience caused to passengers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken swift regulatory action. On December 6, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to. Indigo's CEO, Peter Elbers, demanding an explanation for the operational failures. This was followed by another notice issued on December 7 to the airline's Accountable Manager.

The notices explicitly stated that Indigo had failed to adequately plan for FDTL rules, which resulted in severe disruptions and passenger distress. The DGCA highlighted the airline's failure to ensure reliable operations, a fundamental expectation for any air carrier. Indigo has been given a strict deadline of 24 hours to respond to these notices, with a clear warning of stringent action if a satisfactory explanation isn't provided. This intervention underscores the regulatory body's commitment to passenger protection and operational safety standards within the Indian aviation sector.

DGCA's Measure to Cap Airfares

The widespread cancellations by Indigo led to an immediate surge in demand for flights on other airlines, consequently driving up ticket prices to exorbitant levels. To prevent the exploitation of passengers facing urgent travel needs, the DGCA intervened by fixing maximum airfares. This crucial step aims to ensure that passengers aren't subjected to unfair pricing practices during a period of high demand and limited availability. Under the new regulations, for distances up to 500 kilometers, no airline can charge more than Rs 7,500, while for journeys between 500 and 1000 kilometers, the maximum fare has been capped at Rs 12,000. Plus, a general maximum fare of Rs 18,000 has been established for all other routes.

This decisive action by the DGCA provides much-needed relief to travelers who might otherwise have faced. Significant financial burdens due to the crisis, ensuring a degree of fairness in pricing during such disruptions. The ongoing operational challenges at Indigo, marked by extensive flight cancellations and regulatory scrutiny, continue to impact the aviation sector. While GMR and DGCA have taken steps to mitigate passenger inconvenience and prevent exploitation, the airline faces a critical period to address its internal issues and restore reliable operations, ensuring passenger trust and safety, while the resolution of this crisis is paramount not only for Indigo but for the broader Indian aviation industry.

Delhi Airport GMR says, "IndiGo flights may still experience delays. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport to avoid inconvenience. Our teams are working closely with all stakeholders to minimize delays and… pic.twitter.com/evky3sdFaB

— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025