IndiGo Cancels All Delhi Departures Till Midnight as Major Disruptions Worsen

New Delhi— Delhi Airport on Friday announced that **all IndiGo domestic flights departing from the capital have been cancelled until midnight** amid one of the airline’s most serious operational breakdowns in recent years.

In a statement posted on X, the airport said:
**“IndiGo domestic flights departing from Delhi Airport on 5th December 2025 are cancelled till midnight (23:59 hours). Operations for all other carriers remain as scheduled.”**

The airport added that ground teams were coordinating with IndiGo to reduce passenger inconvenience, urging travellers to check real-time updates on its official website.

### **Massive Disruptions Across Network**

The cancellations follow a day of chaos during which **over 500 flights** were cancelled on Thursday, with several more delayed. IndiGo had already recorded **1,232 cancellations in November**, signalling deep operational strain.

Earlier, the airport issued an advisory asking passengers to verify flight statuses before travelling.

### **Government Steps In**

Amid escalating disruption, Civil Aviation Minister **Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu** convened an emergency meeting with IndiGo leadership. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is maintaining “heightened oversight,” while the **AAI** has been directed to support stranded passengers.

The **DGCA** is also monitoring airfares amid fears of sudden spikes due to reduced flight capacity.

### **Why Is IndiGo Struggling?**

According to DGCA sources, IndiGo admitted that disruptions stem from:

* Challenges complying with **Phase II** of the revised **Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)** meant to reduce pilot fatigue
* **Crew shortages** arising from miscalculations in manpower planning
* Seasonal **winter operational constraints**

The airline said disruptions may continue for **2–3 days**, and from **December 8** it will cut flight frequency to stabilise operations. IndiGo has also sought **temporary relaxation of FDTL norms for A320 aircraft until February 10, 2026**, promising full operational recovery by then.

---With inputs from IANS