IndiGo Crisis: Passengers Stranded, Some Sleeping at Airports as Flights Cancelled
The ongoing crisis at IndiGo — India’s largest domestic airline — continues to severely disrupt passengers across the country, with scenes of confusion and frustration visible at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1.
Many travellers say their flights have either been cancelled or repeatedly rescheduled with little clarity on when they will depart.
In a statement, IndiGo claimed its flight operations were “steadily returning to normal”, saying more than 1,800 flights operated on Monday, roughly 150 more than the previous day. However, this remains nearly 30% below its usual schedule.
The carrier also asserted that 90% of its flights departed on time, and passengers were informed in advance regarding cancellations — a claim many travellers dispute.
What Is Causing the Disruption?
According to media reports, IndiGo told India’s aviation regulator DGCA that the disruption was the result of:
- Minor technical glitches
- Winter schedule adjustments
- Adverse weather
- Air traffic congestion
- New crew duty-time regulations
IndiGo has cancelled more than 2,000 flights since early December, impacting India’s aviation network and triggering government intervention.
Government Steps In
To prevent steep fare hikes caused by reduced capacity, the government capped domestic ticket prices between ₹7,500 and ₹18,000 until 11 December.
The DGCA has formed a four-member inquiry committee expected to submit a report within 15 days.
Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has deployed 89 additional trains to accommodate stranded passengers.
Despite these efforts, the disruption continues, with more than 250 IndiGo flights delayed or cancelled on Monday alone in major hubs such as Delhi and Bengaluru.
Passengers Stranded With Nowhere to Go
Although overall crowds at Terminal 1 appear manageable, those affected say they feel helpless and unclear about their travel status.
Some passengers with connecting flights have been stranded for days, unable to reach their destination — or even leave the airport.
“I Have ₹500 Left — I’ll Sleep Here”
For 26-year-old Khunmakcha Shobhamani from Manipur, the situation is devastating.
Working at a hotel in Goa for ₹12,500 per month, he saved for months to visit his family. He was supposed to reach Imphal on 4 December — but eight days later, he is still sleeping on the floor at Delhi airport.
Nearly in tears, he says:
“I borrowed money from a friend. Now I have only ₹500 left. I can’t afford a hotel anymore.”
Despite repeated visits to airline help desks, he says he has received no firm assurance.
His next available flight is scheduled for 12 December, but he says he has “lost hope it will fly”.
A fellow traveller offers to help pay for food or a room, but Shobhamani politely declines and continues searching for a corner where he can sleep.
IndiGo Defends Its Response
IndiGo maintains that support is being provided to affected passengers. The airline says that:
- 9,500 hotel rooms were arranged between 1–7 December
- More than 200,000 customer queries have been addressed
- ₹827 crore in refunds have already been issued, with more pending
But several stranded passengers at the terminal say they have received no hotel rooms or compensation despite long waiting hours.
Crisis Continues
With cancellations still ongoing and thousands yet to reach their destinations, uncertainty remains high.
For now, stranded passengers — especially those with limited financial means — continue to wait inside terminals, many unsure whether they will travel today, tomorrow, or even this week.