Delhi’s air travel network came under significant strain this week as widespread disruptions at IndiGo prompted the aviation regulator to launch a formal inquiry into persistent cancellations and delays. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sought a detailed explanation from the airline after operations across major airports were hit by staffing gaps, technology-related issues and seasonal congestion, raising concerns about the resilience of India’s rapidly expanding aviation ecosystem.
Initial assessments indicate that more than 150 flights nationwide were withdrawn from service in a single day, with Delhi’s airport witnessing some of the longest queues and average departure delays close to an hour. Although arrivals saw relatively smoother movement, industry watchers noted that the imbalance between incoming and outgoing traffic added to passenger frustration, especially for those with connecting journeys. Regulatory officials said the pattern of disruption suggested deeper structural challenges. According to an aviation expert familiar with the review, the airline’s workforce planning had not kept pace with the newly implemented duty-time norms designed to reduce crew fatigue and improve flight safety. “The norms were expected for months. A lean approach to manpower cannot be relied upon in a high-growth market,” the expert observed, adding that the current episode highlighted the vulnerability of aviation operations that do not build a dequate buffers.
Pilot groups echoed these concerns. A senior representative from a national pilots’ association said the disruptions reflected gaps in preparedness rather than sudden shocks. He argued that stable working conditions, predictable rostering and adequate rest hours were essential for sustainable and safe flying. Some pilot bodies suggested that large-scale delays should not be used as leverage to dilute safety-related regulations, a practice that experts say could undermine long-term trust in the aviation system.IndiGo maintained that multiple operational pressures ranging from seasonal weather conditions to temporary technology malfunctions had created a cascading effect. The airline announced a 48-hour schedule recalibration intended to restore stability and better align flight deployment with available crew strength. Officials familiar with the process noted that such recalibration typically involves selective cancellations to ease congestion and rebuild operational buffers.
Urban mobility observers pointed out that the disruption underscores the growing need for resilient infrastructure and labour systems in India’s major cities. As metropolitan regions expand and demand for air travel surges, airports must adopt more sustainable operational frameworks ones that prioritise worker well-being, digital reliability and passenger safety. Ensuring predictable travel also supports inclusive urban growth, given that air mobility increasingly links citizens to jobs, health services and economic opportunities across regions.The DGCA is expected to review IndiGo’s corrective plan before issuing further directives. For passengers, the hope is that the current turbulence will push the aviation industry toward more robust planning practices that align safety, efficiency and equitable access key principles for cities aspiring to offer reliable, low-carbon and citizen-centred mobility systems.
Delhi Sees DGCA Probe After IndiGo Disruptions With Thirty Eight Flights Cancelled
