Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, opened lower on Thursday after the airline faced extensive operational disruptions across major airports. The stock dropped nearly 2% to Rs. 5,482 on the NSE, reflecting investor concerns over increasing cancellations, delays, and regulatory intervention.

Nationwide Disruptions Leave Passengers Stranded

IndiGo faced one of the largest operational challenges as small delays turned into large-scale cancellations. 

Over 100 flights were cancelled from airports across cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad by Wednesday afternoon. At all terminals, passengers were lined up for hours waiting for updates or trying to rebook flights due to widespread breakdown.

The airline acknowledged the crisis in a statement, confirming that its network had been “significantly disrupted” over the past two days. 

DGCA Launches Investigation Into Operational Breakdown

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stepped in as cancellations happened nationwide. In an official communication, the aviation regulator directed IndiGo to provide a detailed explanation for the disruptions and present a clear action plan to stabilise operations.

“IndiGo has been asked to report to DGCA Headquarters to present the facts leading to the current situation along with plans to mitigate the ongoing delays and cancellations,” the regulator said.

A Combination of Weather, Tech Glitches, and New Crew Rules

According to IndiGo, the disruptions stem from a mix of winter weather issues, minor but cascading technology glitches, intense aviation system congestion, and the rollout of updated Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms.

In an exchange filing dated December 3, the airline clarified that this created a compounding effect on operations, making it extremely difficult to maintain schedules. It also issued an apology to passengers, emphasising that teams were working “around the clock” to restore normalcy.

Temporary Schedule Cuts to Manage the Crisis

To control the situation, IndiGo has implemented short-term, calibrated adjustments to flight schedules. These changes will remain in place for the next 48 hours, with the aim of easing congestion and improving punctuality. 

The airline has urged passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, as several terminals remain heavily crowded.

Also Read: IndiGo Q2 Results: 5 Key Takeaways Investors Should Know

IndiGo’s Recent Performance

Despite the ongoing crisis, IndiGo has delivered a 20% return year-to-date. However, the stock has dropped 6% over the past five days and a modest 2% gain over 6 months.

With the DGCA probing the matter and operational constraints persisting, analysts expect near-term pressure on airline performance but note that the situation may stabilise once crew and scheduling challenges are addressed.