Bengaluru: India’s aviation network came under severe strain on Thursday as IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, cancelled dozens of flights for a third consecutive day, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across major airports. At Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru alone, 73 flights were cancelled, deepening the operational crisis that has disrupted schedules across the country.
Officials at Bengaluru airport confirmed that the cancellations were among the highest in the country, with many passengers arriving at terminals only to learn of last-minute delays or outright cancellations. Seating areas overflowed with stranded travellers, some waiting through the night for rebooking options, while others were forced to abandon journeys due to lack of clarity from the airline.
The Bengaluru cancellations formed part of a larger nationwide disruption, with major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune also reporting significant operational setbacks.
Industry sources indicated that the chaos was triggered primarily by new pilot duty and rest regulations implemented by Indian authorities on November 1. The rules mandate longer rest periods and restrict night-time landings, forcing airlines to overhaul scheduling systems.
IndiGo acknowledged the impact of these regulations, but aviation analysts argue that the airline’s pre-existing staffing shortages have amplified the disruption. The pilots’ union accused the carrier of long-term “lean manpower planning,” suggesting IndiGo failed to hire and train enough cockpit crew ahead of regulatory changes.
Weather, technical delays, and seasonal traffic pressures have added further strain to the system.
Travellers affected by the cancellations expressed frustration over long queues, limited information, and inadequate assistance. Many passengers said they received no advance notice, while others spent hours waiting onboard aircraft before being directed back to the terminal.
Families with children, elderly passengers, and those traveling for medical appointments were particularly affected, with some calling the situation “unmanageable” and “poorly handled.”
The crisis has also rattled investor confidence. IndiGo’s parent company saw its shares fall 3.4% on Thursday, contributing to a week-long slide of nearly 6%. Market analysts warned that the airline’s reputation for punctuality and reliability could suffer lasting damage if disruptions persist.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sought a comprehensive report from IndiGo, demanding clarity on how the airline plans to restore normal operations. Officials said they will examine whether the carrier can comply with safety norms while maintaining its extensive domestic network.
The regulator is also monitoring broader aviation capacity, concerned that other airlines could face similar challenges as pilot rest requirements tighten.
The ongoing crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of India’s fast-growing aviation sector to regulatory changes, staffing shortages, and infrastructural constraints. With the holiday travel season approaching, there are rising concerns that disruptions could escalate unless corrective measures are quickly implemented.
For now, thousands of passengers remain caught in the middle, relying on last-minute updates and hoping for stability to return to the country’s skies.