IndiGo flight cancellations make couple attend their own reception online
What's the story
A newlywed couple, both software engineers working in Bengaluru, had to attend their own reception virtually due to widespread IndiGo flight cancellations. The bride and groom, who had booked flights from Bhubaneswar to Bengaluru and then to Hubballi for December 2, were stranded as their flights faced repeated delays and eventually got canceled on December 3. The event was scheduled at Gujarat Bhavan in Hubballi, and bride's parents stepped in for the rituals while the couple joined via video conferencing.
Operational issues
Operational challenges lead to flight cancellations
IndiGo has been facing operational challenges, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations across India. The airline failed to make necessary changes in its roster planning as per new government norms. This has affected operations at major airports including Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad among others. On Thursday alone, IndiGo canceled over 500 flights, the most in a single day in its 20-year history.
Future plans
IndiGo anticipates stabilization by February 2026
IndiGo has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it expects to fully stabilize operations by February 10, 2026. The airline has also sought temporary relaxations in flight duty norms to help manage the current situation. IndiGo admitted that the recent flight disruptions are mainly due to miscalculations and planning errors in implementing Phase II of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms.
Information
More cancellations and service reductions expected
IndiGo has warned of more cancellations until December 8, after which a reduction in services is also expected. The airline's operational challenges have left thousands of passengers stranded across India. The situation highlights the impact of regulatory changes on airline operations and passenger travel plans.