India Faces Worsening Travel Chaos as IndiGo Cancels Hundreds of Flights

India’s aviation sector is experiencing severe disruption after IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, cancelled hundreds of flights this week, leaving passengers stranded across major airports. The cancellations, which have affected both domestic and international routes, have triggered long queues, delays and mounting frustration among travellers already facing peak season demand.

IndiGo attributed the chaos to a shortage of crew and a sudden spike in operational challenges that the airline says it is working urgently to resolve. However, industry analysts point to deeper structural issues, including tight staffing levels and increasing pressure on airlines as travel demand surges beyond pre pandemic levels. Several airports reported overcrowded terminals and difficulties in rebooking thousands of affected passengers.

The Indian government has asked IndiGo to submit a detailed explanation and implement corrective measures to prevent further disruptions. Officials say they are monitoring the situation closely and may consider regulatory intervention if cancellations continue at the same scale.

Passengers have shared accounts of being notified of cancellations at the last minute, with many forced to spend hours trying to secure alternative flights at significantly higher fares. Consumer groups have urged authorities to ensure airlines provide proper compensation and transparent communication during the crisis.

IndiGo says it expects operations to stabilise soon, but with continued cancellations and high travel demand, experts warn that normalcy may take several days to return. For now, travellers are advised to check flight status regularly and prepare for possible delays as the airline attempts to recover from one of its most challenging operational weeks.