IndiGo’s December 2025 disruptions stranded 1.62 million passengers

IndiGo experienced major operational disruption in December 2025, linked to new pilot duty rules and staffing and rostering issues. According to figures cited, about 1.62 million passengers were stranded nationwide, with 2,507 cancellations and 1,852 delays reported between 3–5 December alone. Major hubs including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad saw significant disruption. Regulators imposed financial penalties and required corrective measures. IndiGo processed refunds and rebookings during the month and acknowledged service failures while indicating operations would stabilize mid-December.

India’s largest domestic airline, IndiGo, faced a widespread disruption in December 2025 that resulted in extensive cancellations and delays across the country. The issue followed the sudden implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, which increased pilot rest requirements and constrained night operations. The airline’s planning, crew availability, roster management, and software support were cited as contributing factors, with airport congestion compounding the impact.

According to figures referenced from the aviation regulator, approximately 1.62 million domestic passengers were stranded during December. This included around 980,000 passengers affected by cancellations and about 640,000 by delays exceeding two hours. Between 3 and 5 December 2025 alone, IndiGo canceled 2,507 flights and delayed an additional 1,852, disrupting more than 300,000 passengers during that period. Major airports including those in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad experienced significant operational knock-on effects.

IndiGo spent an estimated ₹22.7 crore on refunds, rebookings, and passenger assistance in December. Regulatory follow-up included a reported fine of ₹22.2 crore and formal warnings to senior executives. The airline was also directed to furnish a ₹50 crore bank guarantee linked to a phased plan for operational reform, covering leadership, planning, digital systems, and governance.

IndiGo’s leadership publicly accepted responsibility for the service shortcomings. The airline’s CEO stated that the most acute phase lasted about three days and indicated that operations would stabilize between 10 and 15 December 2025. Industry commentary in the same coverage noted ongoing staffing risks under the revised FDTL framework.

Key facts at a glance:
- Disruption period: December 2025, with a peak impact from 3–5 December
- Scale: Approximately 1.62 million passengers stranded nationally
- Flight impact (3–5 December): 2,507 cancellations, 1,852 delays
- Financial measures: Around ₹22.7 crore spent on refunds and assistance
- Regulatory actions: Fine of ₹22.2 crore and a ₹50 crore bank guarantee directive

Travelers affected during this period were advised to consider rerouting or refunds and to follow airline instructions for rebooking and care at airports.