India's largest airline, IndiGo, cancelled over 1,200 flights on Thursday, leading to significant disruptions at airports nationwide. The airline cited unforeseen operational challenges, including technical difficulties, adverse weather, and recent changes to crew scheduling rules, as causes for the cancellations. Passengers experienced delays of up to eight hours, resulting in widespread frustration and stranded travelers.
The Civil Aviation Authority of India has launched an investigation into the cancellations and has requested IndiGo to submit a comprehensive plan to prevent future disruptions. The airline has been offering refunds and alternative travel options while working to restore full operations, which it anticipates achieving by February 10.
The recent issues are partly due to new crew rostering regulations introduced last month, designed to enhance passenger safety by providing pilots and crew with more rest periods. However, these rules have adversely affected IndiGo's ability to maintain its punctuality standards.
In response, airline officials are actively implementing corrective actions, including increased recruitment efforts, to ensure full service resumption. The airline has also warned that additional cancellations may occur in the upcoming days as it addresses the current operational challenges.
