Wave of Flight Cancellations Disrupts IndiGo's Operations

IndiGo faced severe disruptions, canceling around 180 flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The government plans to reduce IndiGo's slots as a penalty, affecting its winter schedule. The airline, dominating India's domestic market, will lose routes to other domestic airlines but may reclaim them upon proving operational capability.

IndiGo, India's leading airline, faced significant turbulence as it cancelled approximately 180 flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad on Tuesday due to an ongoing crisis. This marks the eighth consecutive day of disruption for the carrier, as insider sources reported, underscoring the depth of the operational difficulties.

The airline, which holds over 65% of the domestic market share, had earlier curtailed more than 560 flights from six major metro airports on Monday. This escalation in cancellations has forced the government to consider reducing IndiGo's flight slots. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu expressed the government's intent to reallocate routes to other carriers during the winter schedule.

The airline's extensive network typically handles over 2,200 flights daily, serving 90 domestic and over 40 international destinations. However, with a penalty looming, IndiGo faces a potential overhaul of its operational strategies. The Ministry has indicated that IndiGo may regain its routes upon demonstrating improved operational management and reliability in the future.

(With inputs from agencies.)