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India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has started issuing compensation vouchers to passengers impacted by mass cancellations earlier this month. Over 4,500 flights were off schedule between December 1 and December 9, leaving travelers stranded during the country’s peak wedding and holiday season.
The situation escalated on December 5, when the airline cancelled more than 1,000 flights, including all departures from New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The service issues were linked to the new Flight Duty Time Limitation rules implemented by the DGCA on November 1. These regulations increased mandatory rest for pilots from 36 to 48 hours per week and limited night landings to 2 per week, down from 6.
A four-member DGCA inquiry committee, led by Joint Director General Sanjay K Bramhane, submitted its confidential report on December 26. The findings will be shared with the Delhi High Court on December 30.
IndiGo admitted in discussions with the DGCA that “misjudgement and planning gaps” caused cancellations, as actual crew requirements exceeded forecasts. The regulator has granted temporary night-time exemptions until February 10, 2026, and ordered a 10% reduction in the airline’s winter schedule to prevent further disruption.
Passengers affected between December 3 and December 5 will receive IndiGo compensation vouchers worth Rs. 10,000, valid for 12 months on any IndiGo flight. Additional compensation of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 is available for cancellations within 24 hours of departure, based on flight block time. IndiGo began contacting passengers directly on December 26 and is coordinating with travel agents for bookings made via third-party platforms.
An official website will be launched on January 1, 2026, for passengers who haven’t received voucher notifications. IndiGo plans to make the claims process easier and apologizes for the inconvenience caused by flight cancellations.
IndiGo flight cancellations and the following DGCA inquiry showcase operational difficulties during peak travel seasons. The airline is expected to further its planning and regulatory compliance to minimize disruptions and gain the passengers’ trust and confidence.
