India’s domestic aviation sector is witnessing turmoil as IndiGo’s flight-cancellation crisis enters its sixth day, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded across major airports. The crisis has coincided with a sharp rise in airfares for other carriers, creating frustration and financial strain for travelers. Amidst the chaos, SpiceJet posted a cryptic video on social media showing a smooth landing, captioned “Calm in the chaos!”, widely interpreted as a jab at IndiGo’s operational struggles.

The disruptions began after new safety regulations from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) came into effect on November 1, 2025. Under the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), pilots are required to take longer rest periods and face stricter night-flying limits. While designed to reduce pilot fatigue, these regulations significantly affected airline scheduling, particularly for IndiGo, which holds over 60% of India’s domestic market share.

IndiGo was unable to adjust staffing and flight rosters in time, resulting in a cascade of cancellations. Over a thousand flights were scrapped in the first four days alone, with hundreds more cancelled across major hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai on Thursday and Friday. Travelers reported being stranded for hours, missing work, weddings, and other important commitments, while luggage and cargo backlogs added to the chaos.

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The sudden surge in ticket prices on alternative airlines has intensified public outrage. Many passengers criticized IndiGo for failing to anticipate the impact of the FDTL rules, while SpiceJet’s viral post drew a mix of amusement and ire on social media. Netizens accused IndiGo of “poor planning” and questioned whether the airline could restore normal operations before the upcoming holiday travel rush.

In response, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo’s senior management, demanding a detailed explanation for the operational collapse. To mitigate the immediate crisis, the regulator temporarily relaxed certain duty-time provisions until February 10, 2026, allowing airlines some flexibility to resume flights more smoothly and stabilize schedules.

Industry analysts note that IndiGo faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining compliance with safety regulations while restoring public confidence. Meanwhile, SpiceJet’s playful messaging and the skyrocketing fares have kept the spotlight on India’s domestic aviation woes, highlighting the intense competition and challenges airlines face under stricter regulatory oversight. Travelers continue to watch closely, hoping for a swift resolution.

Also Read: Congress Blames Modi Government for IndiGo Flight Meltdown, Demands Minister’s Accountability