Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Dec 3: Pandemonium erupted at several airports as IndiGo cancelled at least 85 flights, including 38 from Delhi and 33 from Mumbai, citing crew shortages, technical glitches, and airport congestion. Thousands of passengers were left stranded, sparking outrage on social media.

The airline apologised, stating, "We acknowledge that IndiGo’s operations have been significantly disrupted across the network for the past two days, and we sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused." Videos of angry passengers confronting staff circulated widely online, with many tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.

"Absolute chaos and mockery at Delhi Airport," tweeted a passenger stranded for over seven hours. Another wrote, "#Indigo staff are leeches… passengers are stranded for 12+ hours with no confirmation. Never flying Indigo again." Complaints also emerged from Hyderabad, where Ayyappa devotees protested over long delays.

Sources said the disruptions are linked to the new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules introduced in November, affecting pilot rosters and creating shortages. Winter passenger surge and technical issues further strained operations. An airline statement said, "A multitude of unforeseen operational challenges, including technology glitches, schedule changes linked to winter season, adverse weather, congestion, and updated crew rostering rules, had a compounding negative impact on our operations."

Efforts are ongoing to resolve technical issues and maintain schedules, but crew shortages remain the biggest hurdle.