IndiGo Crisis: Over 1,300 Flights Cancelled as Airline Allegedly Protects International Routes While Domestic Passengers Suffer

The crisis at IndiGo continued into its fourth day on Friday

New Delhi:

Several IndiGo passengers have claimed that the airline strategically "protected" its international flights while thousands of domestic travelers were left stranded during the widespread operational disruption this week.

The turmoil at IndiGo, India's largest carrier serving over 90 domestic and 40+ international destinations, persisted into its fourth day on Friday. Approximately 1,300 flights have been cancelled thus far, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across the country.

A viral post on X alleged: "Cancellations weren't random - they were strategic. Domestic flights took the maximum hit. International flights were largely protected - estimated to be less than 10% cancellations, mostly on connecting legs - because these routes deliver USD revenue, higher yields, lower fuel uplifting costs, and cancelling overseas flights triggers tougher passenger compensation rules under foreign regulations and reputational issues."

The user further claimed: "In short, they shielded profitable high margin international routes and sacrificed low-margin domestic sectors, creating visible pain for fliers and public pressure - a convenient backdrop to justify a push for FDTL rollback. That's not random chaos - that's calculated strategic planning."

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar supported this assessment, suggesting the "entire saga appears contrived."

Another user characterized it as a "well-planned strategy."

IndiGo has not immediately responded to these allegations. The airline previously stated that the disruptions primarily resulted from "misjudgment and planning gaps" in implementing the new pilot duty rules, which increased mandatory weekly rest for pilots from 36 to 48 hours, effective November 1.

IndiGo informed aviation regulator DGCA on Thursday that its flight operations are expected to fully normalize by February 10 next year. The airline also requested temporary relaxations in flight duty norms.

The carrier, which normally operates over 2,200 domestic and international flights daily, also notified the regulator to expect additional cancellations through December 8.

In a post on X, IndiGo apologized to all affected customers and industry stakeholders.

"IndiGo teams are working diligently and making all efforts with the support of MOCA, DGCA, BCAS, AAI and airport operators to reduce the cascading impact of these delays and restore normalcy. IndiGo deeply regrets the inconvenience caused and remains focussed on streamlining its operations at the earliest."

The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced Thursday it had taken "serious note" of the operational disruptions and flight cancellations throughout IndiGo's network.

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu chaired a high-level review meeting with IndiGo's senior management. During this meeting, IndiGo presented cancellation data and attributed the disruption to crew planning challenges, implementation issues with the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, and seasonal weather constraints.

According to a statement from his office, Minister Naidu expressed "clear displeasure" regarding the airline's handling of the situation.

He emphasized that "ample preparatory time" had been available to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory requirements.

Minister Naidu directed IndiGo to urgently normalize operations and ensure "no increase in airfares" results from the current situation.

He also met with senior officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), instructing all airport directors to continuously monitor the ground situation and provide full support to stranded passengers.