Source HT
New Delhi, India — IndiGo has been given additional time by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to respond to a show-cause notice issued over widespread flight cancellations that disrupted travel plans for thousands across the country. The airline now has until 6 PM on Monday to submit its detailed explanation, officials confirmed.
The regulator issued the notice after a sudden wave of cancellations and delays on Friday and Saturday triggered nationwide chaos at major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Passengers reported long queues, last-minute alerts, and insufficient communication from the airline, prompting DGCA to seek accountability.
A senior DGCA official said the extension was granted after IndiGo sought more time to compile operational details and justify the reasons behind the disruptions. The airline has cited “roster-related challenges” and a shortage of crew due to mass sick leaves as primary causes of the cancellations.
Meanwhile, passengers continued to express frustration on social media, posting visuals of overcrowded terminals and demanding compensation. Several affected travellers reported missing connecting flights and important engagements due to last-minute rescheduling.
Aviation experts say the situation has raised serious questions about crew management and contingency planning, especially as the holiday season approaches — traditionally a period of high air travel demand.
The DGCA has said it will take “appropriate regulatory action” after reviewing IndiGo’s response. This may include financial penalties, directives to streamline operations, or additional compliance audits.
The crisis has prompted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to closely monitor developments, with officials stressing that passenger rights and service reliability remain top priority.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, operates over 2,000 daily flights. The ongoing disruption marks one of its most significant operational setbacks in recent years.
More updates are expected once the DGCA reviews the airline’s formal submission on Monday evening.
