IndiGo Cancels 300 Flights Due to Staff Shortage: Thousands of Passengers Stranded Across Major Cities

Chaos at airports in Delhi, Jaipur, Indore as crew crunch hits operations; three passengers faint after 8-hour wait in Pune; airline struggles with mass resignations

New Delhi — IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has plunged into a major operational crisis, canceling approximately 300 flights due to acute staff shortage, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated at airports across the country.

The widespread disruptions have been reported from major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Indore, and Pune, with passengers facing lengthy delays, last-minute cancellations, and inadequate communication from the airline.

Pune Airport Witnesses Worst Impact

The situation reached a breaking point at Pune airport, where passengers were forced to wait for nearly eight hours with little information about their flights. Three passengers reportedly fainted during the prolonged wait, highlighting the severity of the crisis and the airline’s failure to manage passenger welfare during the disruptions.

Angry passengers took to social media to share their ordeal, posting videos and photos of overcrowded terminal areas with hundreds of travelers left in limbo without proper assistance or alternative arrangements.

Mass Cancellations Hit Multiple Routes

The flight cancellations have affected both domestic and some international routes, with passengers on sectors connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities bearing the brunt. Routes from Jaipur, Indore, and other regional airports witnessed multiple cancellations throughout the day, disrupting travel plans for business travelers, tourists, and families.

At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, hundreds of passengers were seen queuing at IndiGo counters seeking refunds, rebooking, or alternative flight arrangements. Similar scenes were witnessed at Mumbai airport, where the airline’s ground staff appeared overwhelmed by the sheer volume of affected passengers.

Crew Shortage Behind the Crisis

According to airline industry sources, IndiGo is grappling with a severe shortage of cabin crew and pilots, primarily attributed to mass resignations in recent months. The exodus of staff has been linked to reports of increased workload, scheduling issues, and competitive offers from rival airlines and international carriers.

The crew shortage has reportedly been building up over the past few weeks, but the situation escalated dramatically over the weekend, forcing the airline to ground aircraft and cancel flights to comply with mandatory crew rest requirements and aviation safety regulations.

Passenger Outrage and Compensation Demands

Passengers have expressed fury over the lack of timely communication from IndiGo. Many claimed they were informed about cancellations only after reaching the airport, while others received notifications just hours before departure, leaving them with little time to make alternative arrangements.

“I had an important business meeting in Delhi. The flight was canceled without proper notice, and there’s no one to help us with rebooking. This is completely unacceptable,” said Rajesh Sharma, a passenger stranded at Jaipur airport.

Travelers are now demanding full refunds, compensation for additional expenses incurred, and accountability from the airline for the mismanagement.

Aviation Regulator May Step In

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Aviation authorities are expected to seek a detailed explanation from IndiGo regarding the operational disruptions and the airline’s plans to address the staffing crisis.

Under aviation rules, airlines are required to compensate passengers for cancellations and provide alternate arrangements or refunds. However, passengers have complained that IndiGo’s response has been inadequate, with long wait times for customer service and limited rebooking options.

IndiGo’s Response

While IndiGo has not issued a comprehensive official statement addressing the scale of the crisis, the airline acknowledged “operational challenges” in a brief statement. “We are experiencing some disruptions due to crew unavailability. We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and are working to normalize operations at the earliest,” an airline spokesperson said.

However, the vague response has done little to placate angry passengers who continue to face uncertainty about their travel plans.

Industry-Wide Staffing Concerns

IndiGo’s crisis reflects a broader challenge facing the Indian aviation sector, which has witnessed rapid expansion post-pandemic but is now struggling with workforce retention. Several airlines have reported difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified pilots and cabin crew amid increased demand for air travel.

Aviation analysts warn that unless airlines address workplace conditions, compensation structures, and employee welfare, such operational disruptions could become more frequent, ultimately affecting passenger confidence in the sector.

The coming days will be crucial for IndiGo as it attempts to restore normal operations and manage the fallout from one of its worst operational crises in recent years. Passengers scheduled to fly with the airline are advised to check their flight status regularly and arrive at airports well in advance.