IndiGo Airlines canceled over 550 domestic and international flights on Thursday. For the third consecutive day, operational hurdles affected multiple airports, leaving numerous passengers distressed. IndiGo, recognized as the country's leading airline, typically operates around 2,300 flights on a regular day.
Amidst the widespread flight cancellations, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA met with senior IndiGo officials on Thursday. The discussions revolved around understanding the current challenges and potential solutions. During this period, the airline's CEO, Peter Elbers, addressed the staff, acknowledging that it is not easy to restore normal operations and ensure timely flights.
Over 550 flights canceled across domestic and international routes
IndiGo's on-time performance, a measure of their punctuality, has been witnessing a consistent decline. On Tuesday, it was recorded at 35%, plummeting to just 19.7% on Wednesday. This figure is significantly below the airline's usual standards, as IndiGo has always emphasized timeliness.
According to sources, more than 550 flights were canceled nationwide on Thursday. The highest number of cancellations occurred at Delhi Airport with 172 flights, followed by 118 in Mumbai, 100 in Bengaluru, 75 in Hyderabad, 35 in Kolkata, 26 in Chennai, and 11 in Goa. Cancellations were also reported from other airports.
DGCA noted that the frequency of cancellations at IndiGo has escalated sharply over recent days. This number is substantially higher than typical days, reaching between 170 to 200 flights daily. DGCA stated that various factors, including technical issues, crew-related problems, and scheduling adjustments, have contributed to this situation.
IndiGo remains the country's largest airline
The airline has altered its flight schedules, rendering the cancellation of some previously planned flights a routine part of their operations. IndiGo has apologized to passengers for the inconvenience and expressed hope for a speedy resolution to improve the situation soon.
