IndiGo flights 'steadily resuming' after over 1,000 cancellations

Delhi Airport has issued a fresh advisory reassuring passengers that flight operations are “steadily resuming” after a massive disruption that resulted in more than 1,000 IndiGo flights being cancelled on Friday (December 5).

In the update, Delhi Airport noted that IndiGo's services are "getting back to normal" after the widespread operational breakdown. However, they noted that some flights are still affected.

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Travellers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The statement also reminded passengers that real-time updates for all airlines are available on the airport's official website, and through direct contact with the carriers.

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"We appreciate your patience and cooperation and look forward to seeing you at our terminals." the advisory added, noting that they are working with all stakeholders to minimise disruptions and ensure a smooth experience for passengers

Worst day of cancellations

This comes after IndiGo cancelled all domestic flights till Friday midnight departing from Delhi Airport and acknowledged that it was the most severely affected day, with over 1,000 cancellations.

"December 5 was the most severely impacted day, with the number of cancellations well over 1000. I extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience it has caused to our customers. It will take some time to return to a full normal situation, which we do anticipate between 10-15 December," IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers said in a video message.

Poor handling of crew schedules

The large-scale cancellations triggered major delays and congestion across airports in India, prompting intervention from the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Speaking to Indian media ANI, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, said the disruption was caused by IndiGo's poor handling of crew schedules amid the rollout of new flight duty time limitations (FDTL) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

"Other airlines, including Air India and Spice Jet, have adjusted. However, what has unfolded is due to mismanagement by IndiGo regarding its crew. We have given certain abeyance regarding FDTL norms to IndiGo to ensure normalcy," Naidu said.

(Inputs from ANI)

Elizabeth Gonzales

elizabeth@khaleejtimes.com

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.