IndiGo, India's largest domestic carrier, is grappling with a severe operational crisis that has led to the cancellation of approximately 750 flights over the past four days, with December 5, 2025, marking the peak of disruptions as the airline undertakes system reboots and schedule realignments. The proactive cancellations, affecting travel dates from December 5 to 15, stem from efforts to decongest major airports and restore normalcy in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This unprecedented upheaval has stranded thousands of passengers, prompting urgent regulatory interventions to stabilise the sector.

In a formal apology issued on Friday, IndiGo expressed profound regret for the hardships inflicted on affected travellers, acknowledging the emotional and logistical toll of the delays. The airline's official statement emphasised its commitment to resolution, stating that while challenges persist, comprehensive measures are underway to facilitate interim relief and expedite a return to reliable operations. This crisis, now in its fourth day, underscores vulnerabilities in high-volume air travel infrastructure amid seasonal demand pressures.

To mitigate financial impacts, IndiGo has instituted an automatic refund policy for all cancelled bookings, crediting original payment methods without delay, alongside a complete waiver of fees for rescheduling requests on affected itineraries through December 15, 2025. These steps aim to restore passenger confidence and comply with DGCA mandates, reflecting a broader push for accountability in the aviation industry following recent scrutiny over service reliability.

Also Read: IndiGo Cancels Over 400 Flights Nationwide, Thousands Stranded

Beyond monetary redress, IndiGo has mobilised extensive ground support, securing thousands of hotel accommodations across key cities and arranging surface transport options to aid displaced travellers. At major airports, complimentary food and refreshments are being distributed to those awaiting alternatives, ensuring basic needs are met during prolonged waits. These initiatives demonstrate a proactive stance in addressing immediate humanitarian concerns arising from the operational breakdown.

Special provisions have been extended to vulnerable groups, including priority lounge access for senior citizens at available facilities, allowing respite from crowded terminals. Concurrently, the DGCA has appealed for collaboration from pilots' unions and withdrawn prior restrictions on crew rest substitutions to bolster flight continuity. As IndiGo targets full recovery by early next week, this episode highlights the imperative for resilient aviation frameworks in a rapidly expanding market.

Also Read: IndiGo's November Meltdown: 1,232 Flights Cancelled as Indian Airlines Grapple with Delays and Complaints