IndiGo Flights Back On Track After Delays

UAE–India: IndiGo Flights Resume Regular Schedule After Weekend Chaos

IndiGo flights operating between the United Arab Emirates and India appear to be gradually returning to their regular schedule after a week of disruptions that caused inconvenience for thousands of passengers. Delays, cancellations, and crew shortages collectively caused significant disturbances, especially over the weekend when some passengers had to wait up to ten hours for their flights.

Last Week's Chaos – The Beginning

The crisis began in the first week of December when IndiGo, India's largest low-cost airline, faced significant delays and cancellations. The primary concern revolved around pilot fatigue, which had been reported to authorities on multiple occasions. The severity of the situation prompted India's aviation safety authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to implement new, stricter regulations on flight and rest times.

Under the new rules, pilots must be given 48 hours of rest per week, and they can only perform two night landings per week, reduced from the previously allowed six night operations. Although these regulations were introduced back in 2024, airlines were given a grace period to adjust – a period that seems insufficient for recruiting the necessary crew.

Flight Delays from Dubai to Hyderabad

Over the weekend, Ras Al Khaimah–Hyderabad and Sharjah–Lucknow flights departed on time early Sunday morning, as did flights on the Dubai–Chennai route. However, minor delays of 15-20 minutes were noted on the Dubai–Mumbai and Delhi–Dubai routes. Extreme cases were also reported: the Dubai–Kozhikode flight, for instance, only took off at 12:44 pm, whereas its original departure was scheduled for 3:20 am – resulting in nearly a ten-hour delay.

Across India, the situation was similar: 1000 domestic flights were cancelled on Friday, 700 on Saturday, and “only” 500 on Sunday. By Sunday, conditions eased, with IndiGo operating 1650 flights compared to 1500 on Saturday. The rate of on-time departures also improved, rising from 30% on Saturday to 75% on Sunday.

Passenger-Friendly Measures: Free Cancellations and Rescheduling

IndiGo's communications team made it clear that all bookings valid until December 15 can be cancelled or altered without charge due to the delays and cancellations. This step somewhat alleviated passenger frustration, yet social media was still inundated with complaints and stories.

Public Outrage and Political Repercussions

The consequences of flight delays stretched beyond travel discomfort. In India, many missed family events, important business meetings, or even funerals. One memorable story involved a traveler lamenting publicly that his family members missed his father's funeral due to a flight cancellation.

Under mounting social pressure, the ministry responsible for aviation immediately suspended the enforcement of the new FDTL rules, stating that, while safety remains a priority, urgent interim measures are needed to normalize the situation.

Moreover, the government established a committee to investigate the events and determine responsibility for the chaos. A parliamentary committee is also set to hear from IndiGo's management to gain a detailed account of the causes and preventative measures.

Price Ceiling and Passenger Protection

During the crisis, the Indian government introduced another significant measure: a price ceiling on plane tickets, since demand surged after the cancellations and ticket prices skyrocketed. This aimed to prevent speculative pricing and protect passengers from financial exploitation.

Gradual Return to Normal Schedule

By Monday and Tuesday, the schedule is becoming increasingly stable. Flights departing from the UAE are operating with more punctuality, especially those from Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi airports. Gradual improvement is also seen on flights out of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

According to travel agencies and airport staff, most passengers were patient with the situation, though many expressed concerns that with the festive season approaching, more bottlenecks could arise if staffing and scheduling are not stabilized.

Summary

The crisis surrounding IndiGo flights highlights how vulnerable the aviation system can be, even on a busy route like UAE to India. Regulatory changes, crew shortages, and unexpected mass cancellations combined to trigger a chain reaction that paralyzed passenger traffic for several days.

Even though the crisis appears to be easing, the events underline the continued vulnerability of passengers, and the necessity for airlines to prepare for future challenges not just from a technical perspective, but from a human resources standpoint as well. The air link between the UAE and India is crucial, and such disruptions not only complicate the lives of passengers but can have serious economic and diplomatic repercussions.

(Source: Based on measures following IndiGo flight delays.)