Last Updated:January 17, 2026, 21:25 IST

Between December 3 and 5, at least 2,507 IndiGo flights were cancelled and 1,852 flights were delayed, affecting three lakh passengers stranded at various airports.

Thousands of passengers were left stranded after large-scale flight disruptions at IndiGo.

The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took action against IndiGo on Saturday in connection with the large-scale flight disruptions in December 2025, where several flights across the country were cancelled or diverted, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

After a detailed inquiry into the crisis, the DGCA imposed a hefty fine of Rs 22.20 crore on IndiGo. In addition, the airline has been asked to pledge a bank guarantee of Rs 50 crore in favour of the DGCA to ensure compliance with the directives and long term systemic correction.

The DGCA noted that at least 2,507 IndiGo flights were cancelled and 1,852 flights were delayed between December 3 and 5, affecting three lakh passengers stranded at various airports across the country. A four-member committee was constituted by the DGCA to undertake a comprehensive review and assessment of the circumstances behind the operational failure.

Main Causes Of IndiGo Meltdown

After a detailed inquiry into the network planning, rostering and software, along with taking statements of relevant stakeholders, the committee found that the primary causes for the disruptions were over-optimisation of operations, inadequate regulatory preparedness, along with deficiencies in system software support and shortcomings in the management structure and operational control on the part of IndiGo.

The committee also observed that the airline management failed to adequately identify planning deficiencies, maintain sufficient operational buffer, and effectively implement the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FTDL) provisions. These lapses resulted in widespread flight delays and large-scale cancellations, the DGCA said.

The committee also noted an overriding focus on maximising utilisation of crew, aircraft and network resources, which significantly reduced roster buffer margins. IndiGo’s approach compromised roster integrity and adversely impacted operational resilience.

Warning To CEO

The DGCA also issued a caution to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers for inadequate overall oversight of flight operations and crisis management, along with a warning to the Accountable Manager (COO) for failure to assess the impact of the revised FTDL rules.

It also gave a warning to the Senior Vice President (OCC), with directions to relieve him of current operational responsibilities and not to assign him any accountable position for failure in systemic planning and timely implementation of the revised FTDL provisions. Warnings were also issued to other senior IndiGo officials for operational, supervisory, manpower planning and roster management lapses.

The DGCA also recognised the turnaround achieved by IndiGo was remarkably swift, saying the airline was able to restore its operations to normal levels within a short period of time.

IndiGo’s Response To DGCA Order

Meanwhile, IndiGo’s chairman and the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited issued a statement, acknowledging the DGCA’s orders over the operational crisis of the airline and assuring appropriate measures.

“We would like to take this opportunity to inform all of our stakeholders, particularly our valued customers, that the Board and the Management of IndiGo are committed to taking full cognisance of the orders and will, in a thoughtful and timely manner, take appropriate measures,” they said.

“Additionally, an in-depth review of the robustness and resilience of the internal processes at IndiGo has been underway since the disruption to ensure that the airline emerges stronger out of these events in its otherwise pristine record of 19+ years of operations. IndiGo remains committed to steadfastly serving the needs of India and her people, and play a humble role in ensuring that our country emerges as a global aviation major by 2030,” the statement read.

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