IndiGo Failed To Operate Efficiently: DGCA Cuts Airline Flight Ops By 5%, Says Submit Revised Schedule By Tomorrow

IndiGo continues to reel under a prolonged operational disruption as the crisis entered its eighth consecutive day on Tuesday. Amidst the chaos, IndiGo has reportedly lost 5% of its flying routes and is seeking more time to stabilise its operations.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered IndiGo to immediately cut its flight operations by 5% on all routes after the carrier failed to properly implement its approved winter schedule and accumulated a significant number of cancellations.

As reported by ANI, in a formal notice issued on Tuesday, the regulator stated that IndiGo had received approval for 15,014 weekly departures, translating to 64,346 flights for November 2025. However, actual operations during the month stood at only 59,438 flights, with 951 flights cancelled.

The DGCA further pointed out that the airline was granted a 6% increase in capacity for the winter schedule over the previous summer schedule and was cleared to operate with a fleet of 403 aircraft. In reality, IndiGo operated just 339 aircraft in October 2025 and 344 in November 2025, the notice added.

The airline has been directed to submit a revised flight schedule incorporating the mandatory 5% reduction by 5 PM on December 10, 2025, ANI reported.

The DGCA said the airline had increased its departures by 9.66% compared to Winter 2024 and by 6.05% over the Summer 2025 schedule, but had 'not demonstrated an ability to operate these schedules efficiently'.

Hundreds of flights were scrapped across major airports, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated. 

Hyderabad Sees Heavy Cancellations

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) recorded one of the highest cancellation figures today:

• 44 IndiGo departures cancelled
• 14 arrivals cancelled

Airport authorities confirmed the numbers till late evening, with normal terminal operations but severe impact on IndiGo schedules.

Bengaluru Worst-Hit, Over 120 IndiGo Flights Axed

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru continued to bear the maximum brunt:

• 63 departures cancelled
• 58 arrivals cancelled

The southern hub has consistently reported the highest daily cancellations throughout the eight-day crisis.

Chennai: Mixed Picture with 41 Domestic Flights Cancelled

While many IndiGo flights operated normally at Chennai Airport (18 departures and 23 arrivals till evening), disruption remained significant:

• 41 domestic flights cancelled
• Additionally, 23 international flights, including services to Penang and Singapore, were scrapped

Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Thiruvananthapuram Also Affected

Western and smaller hubs were not spared:

• Mumbai: 17 departures and 14 arrivals cancelled
• Ahmedabad: 16 flights cancelled (9 arrivals, 7 departures); only 23 flights operated till 08:00 hrs
• Thiruvananthapuram: 3 departures and 1 arrival cancelled till evening; only 5 IndiGo flights operated so far.

No issues were reported in the terminal or on the airside, and passenger facilitation is proceeding.

Real-Time Surveillance of The Situation Across All Airports

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have maintained continuous, real-time surveillance of the situation across all airports since December 3, following extraordinary operational disruptions at IndiGo.

According to a statement from the Office of Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinarapu, a major review meeting of all top officials took place to thoroughly evaluate the impact. The Minister's office further directed senior Ministry personnel to personally visit airports. Their mandate is to check airline operations and passenger services on the ground, as reported by ANI.

The official communication noted that any deficiencies discovered, including issues raised through direct interaction with travelers, must be rectified and addressed without delay.

IndiGo's Push for FRMS Adoption

During a recent panel meeting, a representative from Indigo Airlines advocated for the adoption of Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) as an alternative to the existing Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations. 

This proposal faced significant objections from other panel members, who questioned the immediate shift away from established FDTL rules. Notably, concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest were also raised against the member pushing the FRMS adoption, suggesting a possible bias in the proposal.

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