On 6 December, flights to Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Indore were cancelled, further escalating passenger inconvenience. Many travellers, including those with international connections, were left waiting without timely updates from the airline or airport authorities.
Passengers faced severe difficulties at the airport, as no accommodation or meals were provided. Travelers had to arrange tea, snacks, and water at their own expense. Over 100 passengers bound for Hyderabad and Chennai remained stuck at the airport for more than 24 hours.
The cancellations also caused financial losses for people travelling for professional and personal reasons. A band group heading to a wedding in Jaipur reported that six-month-old bookings and two scheduled performances were cancelled, resulting in losses worth several lakhs. Health-related travel was also affected, with a mother unable to reach her ailing son in Delhi. Business travellers missed crucial meetings and international flights.
Tensions ran high at the airport as frustrated passengers confronted IndiGo staff at counters, leading to occasional scuffles. Despite repeated attempts, the airline and airport authorities maintained a distance from the media and provided no official statement.
Flights cancelled on 6 December included:
Passengers criticised the government for granting airlines excessive leeway, allowing companies to operate without accountability. Many demanded full refunds and compensation for additional losses incurred due to flight cancellations.
Airport officials redirected queries to IndiGo staff, while the airline counters remained largely unattended, leaving travellers frustrated and helpless.
The incident highlights the growing operational challenges faced by IndiGo following crew shortages and new regulatory requirements, as well as the urgent need for better communication and passenger support at airports.
