IndiGo cancels 105 flights to and from Delhi airport; experts roped in to find gaps

IndiGo Airlines, which operates more than 2,300 flights daily and accounts for approximately 65 per cent of India's domestic air travel, has been experiencing significant disruptions since early December 2025. Many passengers found themselves stranded at various airports, facing uncertainty regarding their travel plans.

Reports highlighted the distress faced by individuals, including those missing critical medical appointments, family gatherings, and important examinations. Some travellers, particularly children and the elderly, endured long waits at airports across the country. These experiences have understandably drawn widespread media attention and discussions on social media platforms.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for affected passengers. Flight operations have gradually resumed and the situation is beginning to stabilise. Despite this progress, some uncertainties remain regarding the reliability of upcoming flights. Here is what travellers should know at this stage.

Are Flights Still Being Cancelled?

IndiGo Airlines has officially announced the resumption of operations. Nonetheless, cancellations continue to occur, albeit at a reduced scale compared to the previous week. As reported by The Indian Express, major airports including Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Delhi are still witnessing flight cancellations as of 12 December 2025.

Are Airports Returning to Normal?

Yes, normal operations are being restored. On 6 December 2025, Delhi Airport's official account on X (formerly Twitter) shared an advisory confirming that normalcy was returning. However, passengers are still urged to verify their flight status prior to departing for the airport.

What About Refunds for Cancelled Flights?

IndiGo Airlines announced on 11 December that it has initiated the refund process for all flights cancelled due to the disruptions. The Chief Executive Officer stated that refunds will also be processed for bookings made through third-party agents.

Should Travellers Head to the Airport or Wait?

As the situation evolves, this remains a pressing question for many travellers: Should they proceed to the airport or wait at home? If you are planning to travel in the upcoming days, taking some proactive steps can alleviate stress. Here are some recommendations:

1. Check Flight Status: Even as operations return to normal, last-minute changes may still occur. A quick visit to the airline's website or app can save time and confusion.

2. Refund and Rebooking Options: If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, promptly explore your refund or rebooking options. IndiGo has confirmed that refunds are being processed for affected flights, including those booked through external platforms.

3. Arrive Early at the Airport: Given the increased passenger volume and longer processing times at security checks, arriving early can help facilitate a smoother experience.

4. Keep Customer Support Contacts Handy: In case assistance is required, having official customer support numbers available can be beneficial. For IndiGo, the toll-free hotline is 1800-11-0402, and the telephone number is 011-2465-1094.

5. Understand Passenger Rights: If your flight is delayed or cancelled for reasons not related to weather, you may be entitled to certain benefits, such as refunds, complimentary rebooking, meals during long delays, or compensation, depending on the disruption's duration.

6. Pack Essentials in Cabin Baggage: Consider carrying essential items such as a phone charger, necessary medications, light snacks, water, and a change of clothes in your cabin bag to remain comfortable in case of delays.

7. Keep Important Documents Accessible: Ensure that identification, boarding passes, and ticket confirmations are easily retrievable, especially if changes to your travel plans arise.

Frequent travellers have noted that preparation and simple habits often prove more beneficial than expensive gadgets during travel disruptions. Keeping a charged phone, packing essential items, saving helpline numbers, and keeping digital copies of tickets and boarding passes can make a significant difference when travel plans change unexpectedly.

As operations stabilise and refunds are processed, air travel is anticipated to improve in the coming days. Until then, a combination of patience, preparation, and timely checks can greatly enhance the travel experience during this period of uncertainty.