Air travel across India faced significant disruptions on Wednesday due to technical issues and adverse weather conditions, with IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, canceling over 100 flights. Shamsabad airport alone saw 40 flights canceled, prompting many travelers to seek alternative transport via trains. The sudden cancellation of a Kochi-bound flight without prior notice caused distress among Ayyappa devotees, creating tense situations at the airport. Security personnel intervened, assuring passengers they would be accommodated on rescheduled flights, which helped restore calm.
The airline has indicated that these disruptions could continue for the next 48 hours, affecting flights on Thursday as well. IndiGo announced that 36 flights from Shamsabad have been canceled on Thursday. The airline cited recently imposed DGCA regulations on pilot duty timings and restrictions on night landings as contributing factors to the operational challenges, adding pressure on flight schedules and staffing.
IndiGo clarified that the cancellations were caused by minor technical issues, adverse weather, increased passenger loads, and complications from upgraded staff roster regulations. The Airlines Pilots Association of India (ALPA) highlighted resource planning gaps and staff shortages, worsened by the DGCA’s Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), as the primary reasons for the disruptions. The DGCA has confirmed that it is investigating the flight cancellations and has issued notices to the airline.