IndiGo operates at 100pc capacity for first time since disruptions began

IndiGo have restored operations to normal levels by mid-December 2025 following disruptions that began earlier in the month. The airline operated around 2,200 flights daily as of 20 December 2025 after cancellations peaked in early December due to crew shortages linked to new flight duty time limitations. IndiGo appointed aviation consultant Captain John Illson to conduct root-cause analysis and develop recovery roadmap. T

he Directorate General of Civil Aviation expects a report from a four-member panel report soon with corrective actions to follow examination of findings. The Competition Commission of India is proceeding with an initial assessment into antitrust allegations related to disruptions. IndiGo processed refunds exceeding €90m for affected passengers and focused on resilience building. 

The airline maintained network coverage across all destinations despite earlier 10pc winter schedule reduction ordered by regulator. CEO Pieter Elbers emphasised root-cause analysis and employee feedback in recovery efforts. Independent review supplemented internal measures to address planning lapses. Full operational compliance with revised regulations remained priority alongside passenger support completion.

IndiGo continues recovery efforts following operational disruptions that began in early December 2025. The airline reports operations have stabilised, with over 2200 flights operated daily across its network as of mid-December. Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers states the period of severe impact occurred between 3 and 5 December, when cancellations peaked and passengers faced delays at airports. IndiGo now operates flights to all destinations, with on-time performance returned to standard levels.

The disruptions stemmed from failure to prepare for revised Flight Duty Time Limitations rules enforced from 1 November 2025, which require pilots and cabin crew to receive more rest. IndiGo acknowledges planning gaps contributed to crew shortages, leading to thousands of cancellations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued show-cause notices to senior executives and deployed personnel at the airline headquarters to monitor recovery. A four-member panel conducts an enquiry, with findings expected soon. The government granted temporary exemptions from certain rules until February 2026 to aid stabilisation.

IndiGo processed refunds totalling over €9000 (equivalent based on processed amounts in rupees) for affected bookings and issued travel vouchers worth €110 to passengers stranded during the peak disruption days. Compensation for severe impacts exceeds €5500 in equivalent value, with outreach planned for January 2026. The airline appointed aviation consultant Captain John Illson to review operations and recommend improvements. Root-cause analysis proceeds alongside employee feedback collection.

The Competition Commission of India are reviewing allegations of antitrust violations related to the disruptions. Shares of parent company InterGlobe Aviation recovered some losses, with inclusion in the BSE Sensex scheduled for 22 December 2025. Full operational normalisation remains projected for February 2026.

A written statement from Indigo shared: Having completely stabilized operations across the network starting 9 December 2025 with 1,800+ flights, IndiGo has been gradually and carefully adding capacity and will be operating over 2,200 flights today, in line with the revised schedule. We have been flying to all our 138 operational destinations and maintaining normal on-time performance, as per IndiGo standards. We continue to maintain full integrity of the revised schedule and remain committed to delivering consistently reliable service to over 3.5 lakh customers daily – IndiGo spokespersonI

We continue to uphold the integrity of our revised flight schedule and strongly urge our passengers not to be misled by any false information about mass cancellations across our network. We have also informed all our airport partners to publish the new flights schedules of the adjusted network on terminal screens to avoid any confusion. With over 3.25 lakh customers choosing to fly with us daily, we are grateful for the confidence they continue to place in us.”