India’s government has warned of strict action against IndiGo after the airline cancelled at least 2,000 flights this month, triggering nationwide disruption and anger among passengers. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told lawmakers on Monday that the step was necessary “to set an example” for carriers that fail to comply with regulations.
“We are doing an inquiry and will take very, very strict action,” Naidu said. IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, has not yet commented on the minister’s remarks, according to Reuters.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already issued notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras. The regulator has warned that consequences may include financial penalties and possible suspension of officials, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.
Reduced Flight Schedule Ordered
As part of its response, the DGCA has ordered a 5% reduction in IndiGo’s winter 2025 schedule. The directive followed the airline’s reply to a show-cause notice issued on Friday. In its statement, the regulator said IndiGo had “not demonstrated the ability to operate its schedules efficiently” and must submit a revised roster by 5 p.m. on December 10.
The operational crisis, triggered by crew shortages linked to new pilot rest rules, has led to widespread delays and cancellations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed senior officials to conduct physical inspections at major airports including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Guwahati, Goa and Thiruvananthapuram. The visits are aimed at assessing the situation on the ground as the disruption continues.
Ongoing Disruptions and Passenger Impact
Flight cancellations entered an eighth consecutive day on Tuesday. At Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport alone, 14 arrivals and 17 departures were cancelled by the morning.
IndiGo has said refunds for flights cancelled between December 3 and 15 are being processed. The airline has also offered a full waiver on change and cancellation fees for all bookings scheduled for travel until December 15.
The cancellations have stranded tens of thousands of travellers across the country, affecting holiday plans, weddings and business trips. Many passengers have also reported missing baggage, intensifying frustration over the ongoing crisis.
With India’s busiest airline under heightened scrutiny, the government is expected to take decisions in the coming days that could influence industry-wide standards for handling crew planning, scheduling and passenger rights.
