Centre Directs IndiGo To Cut Over 200 Daily Flights After Major Disruptions

Centre Orders IndiGo to Cut Over 200 Flights Daily Amid Ongoing Disruptions.

The government has directed IndiGo, India’s largest airline, to reduce its daily operations by 10 per cent following a crisis caused by more than 2,000 flight cancellations in recent days. Despite the airline claiming that operations have stabilised, authorities said the curtailment was necessary to prevent further disruptions.

With around 2,200 flights a day, the 10 per cent cut means over 200 additional flights will be cancelled.

In a post on X, IndiGo said: “The ministry considers it necessary to curtail overall routes to stabilise operations and reduce cancellations. A 10 per cent curtailment has been ordered. While implementing this, IndiGo will continue to cover all destinations. The airline has also been instructed to comply with all directives, including fare capping and passenger convenience measures.”

Government Action

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the decision after IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned to the ministry for a review. The DGCA had earlier mandated a 5 per cent reduction, which the ministry has now increased to 10 per cent.

IndiGo said it has completed 100 per cent refunds for flights affected until December 6 and has been instructed to expedite remaining refunds and baggage handovers. The DGCA has also issued show-cause notices to IndiGo’s top management and launched an investigation. “Strict and appropriate action under the Aircraft Act and Rules will be taken depending on the findings,” Naidu stated.

Elbers, ahead of the meeting, said the airline was “back on its feet” and thanked passengers for their support.