IndiGo Flight Chaos Continues: Over 5,000 Cancellations in 10 Days – What Are Your Rights?
Passengers flying with IndiGo are facing a nightmare as the airline grapples with massive disruptions. In the last 10 days alone, IndiGo has cancelled more than 5,000 flights, leaving travelers stranded and some still waiting for their checked luggage. The root cause? A new government mandate on pilot rest times, part of 2024 DGCA rules that airlines had a full year to prepare for. But poor planning has led to widespread chaos across Indian airports.
If your IndiGo flight was cancelled or severely delayed, you're not powerless. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has clear rules to protect you. From full ticket refunds to free hotel stays, here's a simple breakdown of what you're entitled to – and how to claim it.
Immediate Options: Refund or Re-Route?
Under DGCA guidelines, airlines must offer two choices: a full refund or an alternative flight. Pick what's best for you.
- Full Refund: If you don't want to fly, get your money back. Timing depends on payment:
- Cash: Instant refund at the airport.
- Credit card: Within 7 days of the scheduled departure.
- Third-party bookings (like MakeMyTrip or Ixigo): Up to 30 days.
But watch out – refunds aren't automatic if the cancellation is due to "extraordinary circumstances" like natural disasters, strikes, wars, political unrest, Air Traffic Control issues, or government orders. IndiGo's current woes stem from compliance with those very rules, so refunds should apply unless they argue otherwise.
- Alternative Flight: Airlines must rebook you on the next available flight, even if it's with another carrier. You'll only pay any fare difference if the new ticket costs more.
Beyond Refunds: Meals, Hotels, and Compensation
Stuck waiting? DGCA mandates "care" for passengers who've checked in:
- Meals and Refreshments: Free food and drinks if your wait exceeds 2 hours for domestic flights or 4 hours for international ones.
- Hotel Accommodation: For overnight delays or cancellations, IndiGo must provide a complimentary hotel stay, including transport to and from the airport.
If notified less than 24 hours in advance, you could also claim compensation: ₹5,000 for flights under 1,500 km, or ₹10,000 for longer routes, plus fare and fuel charges.
IndiGo is required to proactively contact you about these options. But if they don't, don't hesitate to ask at the counter.
Grievance Filing: From Airline to Court
Denied your rights? Escalate step by step:
1. Contact the Airline: Start with IndiGo's customer service or helpdesk.
2. AirSewa Portal/App: File a free complaint on the government's official platform – it's quick and tracks your case.
3. Court or Statutory Bodies: For unresolved issues, approach consumer courts or aviation tribunals.
How India Stacks Up Globally
India's DGCA rules are passenger-friendly but vary from international standards. Here's a quick comparison:
| Region/Country | Key Entitlements on Cancellation |
| India (DGCA) | Full refund or rebooking; meals/hotels for delays; compensation ₹5,000–₹10,000 if short notice. No extra pay in extraordinary cases. |
| EU (EC 261/2004) | Refund/rebooking; up to €600 compensation; meals/hotels always (unless extraordinary circumstances waive comp). |
| US (DOT) | Automatic full refund if you reject changes; 7–20 day timeline; no routine compensation, just refund. |
| Canada (APPR) | Refund within 30 days; up to $1,000 CAD compensation if airline's fault; free return if travel pointless. |
While the EU offers the highest payouts, India's focus on quick care like hotels makes it practical for domestic flyers.
As IndiGo works to stabilize – hiring more pilots and tweaking rosters – affected passengers should document everything: boarding passes, emails, and wait times. With holiday travel peaking, staying informed could save you time, money, and stress.
