IndiGo’s massive flight disruptions have left thousands of passengers stranded at airports across India, with many facing significant distress, including medical patients, senior citizens, and defense personnel.
The airline’s domestic flights have been severely impacted, with over 2,100 cancellations across India as of December 5, 2025.
The disruptions have also affected Shillong, with reports of flights getting costly and even dead bodies unable to be transported.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formed a committee to investigate IndiGo’s flight disruptions and has issued a show-cause notice to the airline’s CEO, citing “significant lapses in planning, oversight, and resource management”.
The government has imposed temporary fare caps on domestic airlines to stabilize prices, and IndiGo has processed Rs. 610 crore in refunds for affected passengers.
The airline expects to fully restore flight operations by February 10, 2026.
The disruptions have had a devastating impact on passengers, with many missing flights, weddings, and medical appointments.
The situation has been particularly dire in the Northeast, where tourists and locals alike have been stranded.
“Every single one of our flights yesterday (Friday) was cancelled. We spent the entire day at the airport trying every possible route. We now stand with no remaining travel options,” a band announced on social media.
The disruptions are attributed to IndiGo’s failure to adjust to new crew flight time limitations, which include increased pilot rest periods and restricted flying hours.
The airline had disproportionately increased its domestic flights despite having a shortage of pilots.
The government has assured strict adherence to safety protocols and is investigating the airline’s operational issues. Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu has stated that the passenger inconvenience is linked to IndiGo’s internal crew rostering and operational planning, not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS).
The crisis highlights the need for stringent monitoring of airlines and better compensation and rights for air passengers.
As the aviation market is largely a private airline-run duopoly, it’s crucial for regulators to ensure that airlines prioritize safety and passenger welfare.
The flight disruptions have had a significant impact on Shillong, with reports of flights getting costly and even dead bodies unable to be transported.
The situation has caused immense distress to families and highlights the need for better air connectivity and emergency services in the region.
