The government has directed IndiGo to reduce about 5% of its daily flights, around 110 flights, during widespread operational disruptions, with the freed slots to be reallocated to other carriers. The strict step comes after the airline faced massive cancellations and delays over the past week, affecting thousands of passengers during the busy winter travel season.
Between December 1 and 8, IndiGo canceled over 7.3 lakh bookings, issuing refunds worth nearly ₹745 crore. Officials say the disruptions were caused by a combination of winter schedule adjustments, updated crew duty rules, technical glitches, and weather-related issues.
Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the government’s intervention, stating that the curtailment is intended to ease passenger inconvenience and reduce over-reliance on a single airline, which currently operates about 2,200 flights daily.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has warned that further cuts may follow if service remains inconsistent. A panel of regulators may summon top executives, including the CEO and COO, to explain the operational lapses.
Currently, around 110 flights have been removed from IndiGo’s schedule, with additional slots likely to be reassigned to other airlines in the coming days. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for alternative options. Authorities have also indicated that stricter regulatory measures could follow if airlines fail to maintain scheduled operations.
This intervention highlights growing government oversight over India’s aviation sector and emphasizes the risks of over-concentration in one carrier, with IndiGo accounting for a significant share of domestic flights. The move aims to ensure smoother travel for passengers ahead of the peak holiday season.
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