Wed Dec 03 08:44:31 UTC 2025: News Article:

IndiGo Grapples with Flight Disruptions Amid Pilot Shortage and Crew No-Shows

New Delhi – December 3, 2025 – IndiGo is facing significant operational challenges this week, with widespread flight cancellations and severe delays, some exceeding seven hours. The disruptions are attributed to a mounting pilot shortage, compounded by cabin crew no-shows in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The pilot shortage stems from the full implementation of stricter rest and duty norms for pilots, which came into effect on November 1st. Sources say that the airlines’ operations team has been actively reaching out to pilots, requesting them to cut short sick leaves and forego planned leave.

Government data paints a concerning picture, revealing that only 35% of IndiGo flights were on time on December 2nd, and just 49.5% on December 1st.

Adding to the airline’s woes, several cabin crew members failed to report for duty in Mumbai on Wednesday, further delaying flights, including the Mumbai-Maldives service. The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has also experienced multiple IndiGo flight cancellations for the second consecutive day.

Frustration is reportedly brewing among IndiGo pilots, with concerns raised in private communications that the airline is attempting to circumvent the new rest and duty regulations. The Airlines Pilot Association (ALPA) reportedly addressed these concerns in a meeting with the Director General at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) last week.

IndiGo has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the disruptions and the measures it is taking to address the pilot shortage and crew issues. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and allow for potential delays.

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