When will IndiGo flight operations stabilise? Airline shares new date amid disruptions

IndiGo announced on Sunday, December 7, that it has shared a new date to normalize its schedules and expects flight operations to return to normal by December 10, 2025. PTI reported. The revised timeline moves up the earlier date to ensure stability in IndiGo operations, signaling that the airline expects a faster recovery in its schedules due to continued cancellations and delays last week.

The country’s largest airline had previously said corrective measures had been taken and stable flight operations would only be fully restored by February 10 next year.

IndiGo operations across India were severely disrupted for the sixth consecutive day on December 7, with as many as 650 flights canceled at various airports on Sunday. This widespread chaos left thousands of travelers stranded and increasingly frustrated.

Is the situation improving?

IndiGo operates 1,650 flights out of 2,300 daily domestic and international flights on Sunday. This shows that the airline’s operations are gradually stabilising, despite 650 flights being canceled during the day.

In another development, the airline saw its on-time performance at six metro airports improve to 20.7% on Saturday, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation website.

While the airline operated approximately 1,500 flights on Saturday, approximately 800 flights were cancelled.

Accordingly PTIDecember 5 was the worst day in IndiGo’s history; The airline was forced to cancel around 1,600 flights due to acute crew shortage triggered by the introduction of the second phase of court-mandated new flight duty and rest time norms applicable to all domestic airlines.

However, as the situation worsened, the rules were withdrawn by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, causing more pilots to return to work.

Status of returns and baggage transactions

The airline said refunds and baggage processing are fully ongoing for both direct and indirect bookings for passengers affected by the disruptions. As IndiGo continues to work to stabilize operations, it has urged customers to check the latest flight status on its website before heading to the airport.

“We continue to work closely with all authorities and stakeholders to ensure a rapid return to full normality,” the spokesman said.

Just a day ago, the government ordered the airline to track all luggage separated from passengers due to flight cancellations or delays and deliver it to their address of residence or choice within the next 48 hours. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also ordered IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds by 8 pm on Sunday.