DGCA Slams IndiGo Over Flight Chaos, Demands Accountability

Updated: December 09, 2025 03:29

Image Source: Times Of India

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reprimanded IndiGo after widespread cancellations left passengers stranded across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. IndiGo admitted fault, apologizing for the disruption and attributing the crisis to multiple factors including crew duty-time limits and weather. DGCA has demanded accountability and may take corrective action.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is facing regulatory heat after a week of massive flight cancellations that disrupted travel nationwide. The DGCA issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras, demanding explanations for the chaos.

IndiGo responded with a formal apology, admitting it was “profusely sorry” for the inconvenience caused. The airline explained that the cancellations stemmed from a “compounding effect of multiple factors”—including stricter Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules, crew shortages, and adverse weather. Despite efforts to stabilize operations, cancellations continued for several days, with over 220 flights scrapped on Sunday alone at Delhi and Mumbai airports.

DGCA has confirmed receipt of IndiGo’s response but emphasized that appropriate action will follow after reviewing the airline’s explanation. Meanwhile, IndiGo has promised a root cause analysis and expects operations to normalize by December 10, though full stabilization may take longer.

Major Takeaways

Show-Cause Notice: DGCA reprimanded IndiGo, demanding accountability for mass cancellations.

Passenger Impact: Thousands stranded; over 500 flights canceled in a single day at peak airports.

Airline Apology: IndiGo admitted fault, calling the crisis an “unforeseeable confluence” of factors.

Operational Challenges: Crew duty-time rules, weather, and staffing shortages cited as causes.

Regulatory Oversight: DGCA to decide on corrective measures after reviewing IndiGo’s response.

Notable Updates

Refunds & Care: IndiGo claims to have processed refunds and provided meals, hotels, and transport for affected passengers.

Political Reactions: Lawmakers criticized the disruption, calling for stricter enforcement of passenger rights.

Future Outlook: IndiGo aims to operate 1,800 flights daily by mid-December, restoring confidence in its network.

Conclusion

The DGCA’s reprimand underscores the importance of accountability in India’s aviation sector. While IndiGo remains optimistic about stabilizing operations, the regulator’s next steps will determine whether stricter compliance measures are enforced. For passengers, the episode highlights the fragility of airline operations and the need for stronger consumer protections.

Sources: LiveMint, The WeekThe Week, Hindustan Times, India TodayIndia Today, Business Today.

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