The Internet is Flooded with the question right now is Why Indigo Flights are getting Cancelled ? Due to staff shortages and new government Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations, thousands of flights in India, particularly those operated by IndiGo, have lately been canceled. Although refunds are provided, they are not always complete; if airlines refuse or delay payment, travelers may need to file complaints with AirSewa or consumer tribunals.
Why Indigo Flights are getting Cancelled?
In December 2025, air traffic in India was thrown into disarray. Passengers in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata have experienced lengthy delays, abrupt cancellations, and ambiguity over refunds due to IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, canceling nearly 1,200 flights in just a few days. This blog examines the causes of the cancellations and what refunds travelers might anticipate.
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There are several factors for Why Indigo Flights are getting Cancelled:
- New Flight Duty Time Limit Rule: The government has implemented more stringent duty-hour limits for pilots and crew” Despite being intended to increase safety, these regulations have caused staff shortages and prevented airlines from running regular flights.
- Operational Disruptions at Indigo: IndiGo has acknowledged that it will take until February 2026 to stabilize operations due to operational disruptions. Cancellations are anticipated to persist in the interim, with 750+ flights cancelled in Delhi alone on December 5, 2025.
- On-Time Performance Collapse: Due to staff shortages and the confusion of rescheduling, IndiGo’s on-time performance has fallen to just 8.5% , meaning that the majority of flights are either cancelled or delayed.
- Ripple Effect Across Airport : Due to IndiGo’s significant market position in India, the company’s issue has caused disruptions to airport schedules around the country, which has an impact on connecting flights and other airlines.
What about Refunds?
- IndiGo’s Refund Promise: IndiGo has declared a complete waiver on cancellations and rescheduling between December 5–15, 2025, providing reimbursements to impacted travelers.
2. Partial Refunds Before Waiver: Many travelers reported not obtaining full refunds for flights canceled prior to December 5. Airlines frequently issue credit shells in lieu of cash or subtract convenience fees.
3. Escalation Channels: Passengers can file complaints through the following channels if their reimbursements are withheld or delayed
- Consumer courts for compensation claims
- AirSewa portal for government grievance redressal
4. Compensation Rules:
In all the game of Why Indigo Flights are getting Cancelled, airlines are required under DGCA regulations to offer either alternate flights or full refunds. Passengers are irritated by the inconsistent enforcement, though.
Refund Situation
| Situation | What Airlines Offer | Passenger Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Flight cancelled by airline | Refund or alternate flight | Full refund mandated by DGCA |
| Flight rescheduled by airline | Free rescheduling or refund | Refund if passenger declines new timing |
| Passenger cancels voluntarily | Refund minus cancellation fee | Waiver only if airline issues special policy |
| Refund delayed | Airline credit shell or voucher | Escalation via AirSewa/consumer court |
The fragility of India’s aviation sector is highlighted by this catastrophe. Despite the necessity of safety regulations like FDTL, inadequate preparation and a shortage of backup personnel have left passengers stranded. To strike a balance between operational stability and safety, the government and airlines must cooperate.
Conclusion
Passengers should remain vigilant, be aware of their rights, and demand accountability for the time being. Even if refunds aren’t always guaranteed, perseverance and escalation can guarantee equitable treatment.
More than just a little inconvenience, the surge of aircraft cancellations in India serves as a warning to the aviation sector, authorities, and travelers alike. The FDTL regulations and other safety improvements are crucial, but their execution must be accompanied by operational preparedness and open communication. To prevent such widespread malfunctions, airlines, particularly industry leaders like IndiGo, must make investments in crew management, backup plans, and customer support.
This incident emphasizes how crucial it is for travelers to understand their rights. According to DGCA regulation, compensation, rescheduling, and refunds are obligations rather than favors. It is important for travelers to record every encounter, demand fair treatment, and escalate concerns.
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