The inconvenience faced by thousands of flyers and the subsequent backlash prompted IndiGo to issue an apology, stating: “We acknowledge that IndiGo’s operations have been significantly disrupted across the network over the past two days, and we sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused.”
Social media was full of videos of angry passengers arguing with staff over the cancellations, with many taking to X to express their anguish and tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
“Absolute chaos and ridicule at Delhi airport,” wrote one flyer that was stranded for more than seven hours.
“#Indigo staff are bloodsuckers who lie and passengers have been stranded for over 12 hours without confirmation. My flight has now been delayed over 7 hours. I will never fly Indigo again. This needs to be investigated,” he said.
“Extremely sad to see #Ayyappadevotees forced to protest at Hyderabad airport after @IndiGo6E failed to address hours-long delays. Passengers deserve clarity and responsible service. I hope authorities take immediate action,” a user wrote on X earlier today.
According to sources, IndiGo’s flight delays and cancellations are due to multiple factors, including the new flight service time limit (FDTL) regime introduced in November. These changes have resulted in altered pilot schedules and contributed to a resource crunch, especially among the airline’s pilot workforce.
Winter typically leads to an increase in passenger numbers, putting additional pressure on airlines’ resources. As one source explained, “due to increased passenger loads, pressure on existing resources has also increased.”
A source familiar with the matter told India Today TV: “The new regime of the FDTL remains the main reason for the pilot crisis within IndiGo.
IndiGo has also acknowledged that technology issues have played a role in the recent disruption. IndiGo has admitted that they were facing technical issues that led to delays in processing passenger boardings.
“A large number of unforeseen operational challenges, including minor technology issues, schedule changes related to the winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system and the implementation of updated flight duty time limitation regulations, adversely affected our operations in a manner that was not feasible to foresee,” the airline said.
Efforts are being made to minimize inconvenience to travelers. The airline is working to address system failures and maintain schedule integrity despite operational pressures. Staff shortages remain the main problem, as confirmed by internal sources.
– Ends
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