IndiGo Flight Crisis: Missing Crew, Mass Cancellations and Passenger Chaos Across Indian Airports

IndiGo Flight Chaos Deepens: Crew Shortages Trigger Mass Cancellations and Passenger Outrage

Airports across India witnessed severe disruption for the second consecutive day as IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, struggled to stabilise its operations after cancelling over 150 flights on Wednesday. The crisis continued into Thursday, with hundreds of passengers reporting long delays, missing crew members, and chaotic scenes at major airports.

Passengers Report ‘Captain Missing’, Screaming, and Panic

Many travellers took to social media to share their experiences. Investor Anand Sridharan recounted how his 7 am flight remained indefinitely delayed because the captain was “missing,” even though display boards showed the flight as “on time.”

After the captain was tracked down, the first officer was found missing, worsening the situation and drawing frustration from passengers already shouting and filming the chaos.

Another user, Aaraynsh, described massive disorder at the Delhi airport after repeated cancellations. Even after boarding, passengers sat on the runway for an hour because a cabin crew member had not reached the aircraft.

Why the Disruptions Happened

IndiGo said the disruptions were caused by multiple overlapping factors:

• Updated crew rostering rules (Flight Duty Time Limits)
• Minor technology issues
• Winter schedule adjustments
• Adverse weather
• Heavy airspace congestion

These factors compounded to create a nationwide operational breakdown that IndiGo admitted it had not foreseen.

Flights Cancelled Across Major Cities

Sources told PTI that cancellations affected key airports:

• Bengaluru: 42 flights
• Delhi: 38 flights
• Mumbai: 33 flights
• Hyderabad: 19 flights

With IndiGo operating around 2,300 flights daily, the ripple effect was massive.

IndiGo Apologises, Warns of More Delays

The airline issued a public apology and said it would take 48 hours to stabilise schedules fully. It asked travellers to expect “calibrated adjustments” and possible further cancellations through Friday.

IndiGo Trends Online

Searches for “IndiGo” surged on Google, with high interest in:

• “Why are IndiGo flights getting delayed today”
• “IndiGo pilot strike”
• “IndiGo flights cancelled”

Peak search volume came from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Goa, and Delhi, indicating widespread national concern.