New Delhi/Mumbai – India’s largest airline, IndiGo, continued to face severe operational disruptions on Saturday, with more than 200 flights cancelled across its two busiest hubs—Delhi and Mumbai—marking the fifth consecutive day of turbulence for passengers.
The widespread cancellations left thousands stranded early in the morning, with long queues, extended waiting times, and last-minute travel changes becoming the norm at major airports.
More Than 100 Flights Cancelled in Delhi Alone
By 9 am on Saturday, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport had reported 106 cancelled flights, affecting both domestic and connecting international travellers.
Passengers arrived at terminals only to discover sudden cancellations, many reporting that notifications came late or not at all. Several travellers took to social media expressing frustration over missed connections, disrupted business trips, and extended hotel stays.
Airport staff said that resource constraints, crew shortages, and cascading delays from previous days have made recovery difficult.
Mumbai Sees 109 Flights Affected, Crowds Build Up in Terminals
At Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, an additional 109 flights were cancelled or heavily delayed, adding to ongoing congestion at the bustling metro hub.
Screens at the terminal displayed long lists of cancelled departures and arrivals, overwhelming passengers who were trying to rebook or obtain refunds. Many reported waiting several hours to speak with IndiGo agents.
Passengers described the situation as “unpredictable,” with some flights being delayed multiple times before ending in cancellation.
IndiGo Yet to Issue Detailed Explanation as Turbulence Continues
While IndiGo has acknowledged “operational challenges,” the airline has not issued a comprehensive explanation for the extended disruptions across multiple days.
Industry experts say the prolonged nature of the issue suggests:
- Crew unavailability
- Tight turnaround schedules
- Aircraft rotation issues
- Ongoing winter fog risk in North India
When several of these factors collide, they create a ripple effect across the network, making rapid recovery difficult.
Passengers Advised to Check Flight Status Before Leaving Home
Authorities and airport operators urged travellers to double-check their flight status online before heading to the airport.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, though no formal statement has been released as of Saturday noon.
Passengers affected by the disruptions have been advised to:
- Reconfirm flights via the IndiGo website or app
- Arrive early if rebooking
- Contact customer care for alternative travel options
- Keep receipts for potential reimbursement claims
Travellers Share Frustrations as Social Media Floods With Complaints
Social media platforms were filled with posts from stranded passengers, some stuck at airports since late Friday night. Many complained of:
- Lack of timely updates
- Insufficient ground staff
- Delayed or missing refunds
- Confusion at boarding gates
Some passengers reported missing weddings, business meetings, and international connections due to the cancellations.
IndiGo responded to several complaints online but has yet to provide a timeline for full operational recovery.
Disruptions Now Enter Day 5: No Clear End in Sight
Saturday marks Day 5 of IndiGo’s widespread schedule disruptions, which began earlier in the week. What initially appeared as an isolated operational glitch has now evolved into a nationwide issue affecting major airports.
Industry analysts say the airline may take several more days to return to normal operations due to accumulated delays and the high volume of weekend travel.
For now, passengers continue to brace for unpredictability, and airports remain on high alert for further cancellations.
