India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, has launched a probe into IndiGo’s operational disruptions, citing 1,232 flight cancellations and a sharp drop in on-time performance to 67.7% in November, compared to 84.1% earlier. The airline has been asked to explain the causes and present a mitigation plan to reduce delays and cancellations.
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is facing scrutiny after widespread disruptions in November 2025. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the carrier cancelled 1,232 flights during the month, while its on-time performance fell to 67.7%, down from 84.1% in October.
The regulator has demanded that IndiGo present a detailed account of the factors behind the cancellations and delays, along with a comprehensive plan to mitigate ongoing disruptions. According to DGCA officials, the cancellations were primarily linked to crew shortages, Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) compliance, and air traffic control (ATC) constraints, compounded by technical glitches and winter schedule adjustments.
The situation has caused significant inconvenience to passengers, with major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad witnessing dozens of cancellations in a single day. The DGCA emphasized that it is working closely with the airline to evaluate corrective measures aimed at stabilizing operations.
Major Takeaways
Flight Cancellations: A total of 1,232 flights cancelled in November, affecting thousands of passengers.
On-Time Performance: IndiGo’s punctuality dropped to 67.7%, compared to 84.1% in October.
Regulatory Action: DGCA has asked IndiGo to explain the causes and submit a mitigation plan.
Operational Challenges: Crew shortages, FDTL rules, ATC delays, and technical issues cited as key factors.
Passenger Advisory: DGCA urged travelers to check flight status before departure to avoid inconvenience.
Notable Updates
Over 150 flights were cancelled in a single day in early December, highlighting the scale of disruption.
IndiGo, with a 60% domestic market share, faces heightened scrutiny due to its dominant role in India’s aviation sector.
The regulator is exploring long-term measures to ensure resilience, including stricter monitoring of crew scheduling and operational planning.
Industry experts warn that prolonged disruptions could impact IndiGo’s reputation and passenger confidence.
Conclusion: The DGCA’s probe into IndiGo’s November performance underscores the challenges of balancing operational scale with reliability. With over 1,200 cancellations and declining punctuality, the airline must act swiftly to restore stability. The coming weeks will be critical as IndiGo outlines its mitigation strategy and works with regulators to rebuild passenger trust.
Sources: Times of India , India TV News , Indian Express , New Indian Express
