India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is once again under pressure as the government has ordered it to slash 10% of its winter flight schedule—double the reduction previously announced. This comes just days after the airline cancelled more than 3,000 flights, triggering nationwide disruptions and stranding thousands of passengers.
IndiGo Says Operations Are Back to Normal
Despite the severe turbulence, IndiGo maintains that its operations have now “fully stabilised.”
In a video statement on X, CEO Peter Elbers said the carrier had normalised its network after a week-long meltdown linked to poor pilot roster planning. The airline, which runs over 2,200 flights daily and commands more than 60% of India’s domestic market, insists it is prepared to continue serving all its destinations.
However, officials say the corrective measures are needed to prevent further chaos.
Government Steps In With Strong Action
Federal Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the ministry has decided to curtail IndiGo’s routes to restore stability in the aviation system. The airline must now submit its revised winter schedule to regulators by Wednesday.
Authorities have also directed IndiGo to:
- Cap airfares on affected routes
- Speed up passenger refunds
- Ensure faster baggage delivery
- Improve real-time communication during disruptions
Analysts expect the government to impose more penalties on the airline in the coming days.
What the 10% Cut Means for Passengers
A 10% reduction could translate to 200+ fewer daily flights, potentially worsening India’s peak travel season.
Aviation experts told the BBC that other airlines lack spare capacity, meaning passengers could face:
- Higher airfares
- Reduced seat availability
- Longer delays in rebooking
Analyst Sanat Kaul noted that while the move may benefit the sector long-term, the immediate impact on passengers will be challenging.
Market Reaction: Shares Slide 15%
Investor confidence has taken a hit, with IndiGo’s parent company shares falling 15% since 1 December. Rising operational costs, crew shortages, and compliance with new duty-time rules are weighing heavily on financials.
As India’s aviation network braces for a turbulent winter, the focus remains on whether IndiGo can deliver consistent reliability—or if more disruptions lie ahead.
