Over 100 Flights Cancelled Across India: Chaos at Major Airports as Passengers Stranded Nationwide

Air travel across India descended into chaos on Tuesday as more than 100 domestic and international flights were cancelled, affecting passengers at major airports including Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air faced widespread disruptions, forcing hundreds of travellers to spend long hours at terminals amid confusion over reschedules and refunds.

Widespread Disruptions Across Key Metro Routes

Preliminary data from airport authorities show that over 30 flights were grounded on Tuesday alone, with delays and cancellations continuing from the past 48 hours.

At Pune’s Lohegaon Airport, multiple flights to Bengaluru (AKJ1365, AKJ1551) and Chennai (SEJ2970) were cancelled.
In Delhi, connections to Ahmedabad (AKJ1146) and Varanasi (SEJ2815) were disrupted, while Nagpur, Cochin, and Hyderabad also reported similar cancellations.

Passengers flooded airline counters seeking refunds or rebooking options, leading to long queues and mounting frustration. Social media platforms were also flooded with complaints about last-minute cancellations and lack of communication from airlines.

Multiple Factors Behind the Disruptions

According to aviation authorities, the cancellations were caused by a mix of weather-related issues, technical snags, and staff shortages, compounded by airport congestion during peak travel hours.

At Cochin International Airport, flights to Jeddah were scrapped due to operational constraints, while Ahmedabad saw multiple early-morning flights to Delhi and Kolkata grounded.

Industry insiders said that the disruptions highlight growing stress within India’s aviation network, as airspace congestion and limited turnaround time create a domino effect of delays ahead of the festive season surge.

Advisory for Travellers

Authorities have advised passengers to check flight status frequently on airline websites and apps before leaving for the airport. Travellers are also urged to opt for SMS or email alerts to stay updated on cancellations and rebookings.

Passengers affected by cancellations are encouraged to retain all booking receipts to claim refunds or compensation as per DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) guidelines.

An aviation official noted,

“The situation is dynamic. Airlines are making efforts to normalize schedules, but passengers should expect intermittent delays over the next 48 hours.”

The Bigger Picture

With festive travel demand rising, aviation analysts warn that crew scheduling, weather volatility, and infrastructure capacity could continue to strain India’s air network in the coming weeks.

For now, travellers are being urged to plan ahead, keep alternate arrangements ready, and arrive early at airports to avoid last-minute chaos.