Mass Flight Cancellations by Major Indian Airline Cause Turmoil at Airports

NEW DELHI – Major Indian airports descended into chaos on Friday as passengers of IndiGo, the largest airline in the country, faced significant flight disruptions and cancellations. These issues arose from the implementation of new regulations that restrict working hours for pilots and crew members.

Frustrated passengers were seen sleeping on the floors of airports, enduring long lines at customer service desks, and waiting for updates from the airline, which were often not forthcoming.

This marked the fourth consecutive day of upheaval for the budget carrier, which has been grappling with regulations designed to increase rest periods and reduce night flying hours to enhance safety and reduce fatigue.

The first phase of these regulations was introduced in July, with the second phase enacted in November. IndiGo has struggled to adjust its schedules accordingly, leading to widespread cancellations and delays.

On Thursday alone, over 300 IndiGo flights were grounded while numerous others experienced delays. A passenger advisory from Delhi airport on Friday indicated that all domestic IndiGo flights would be canceled until midnight. Notably, other major airlines, such as Air India, have not encountered similar challenges.

IndiGo operates approximately 2,300 flights daily and holds a commanding 65% share of India’s domestic aviation market.

Senior citizen Sajal Bose was scheduled to travel with his wife Senjuti Bose early Friday from Kolkata to New Delhi to attend a friend’s silver jubilee celebration. His flight was cancelled an hour before the scheduled take off.

Bose told The Associated Press he was now taking a nine-hour train ride to the city Bagdogra, where he plans to get a flight to New Delhi on another airline. “Its very irresponsible and complete negligence. Very difficult for older people like us,” he said.

In an internal email to employees this week, seen by The Associated Press, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers apologized, and cited technology glitches, schedule changes, adverse weather conditions, heightened congestion and the implementation of the new rules as the reasons for flight disruptions.

The Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement that the disruptions arose primarily through misjudgment and planning gaps as the airline implemented phase two of the new rules, and that the airline acknowledged that the effect on crew strength exceeded their expectations.

IndiGo has sought temporary exemptions in implementing the new rules and told the government that corrective measures were underway. It has indicated the operations will be fully restored by Feb. 10.

More cancellations are expected in the next couple of weeks, and the airline said it would reduce its flight operations from Dec. 8 to minimize disruptions.

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Associated Press videojournalist Piyush Nagpal in New Delhi contributed to this report.