IndiGo Flight Crisis: Government Orders 48-Hour Deadline to Track and Deliver Baggage

December 7, 2025

Amid a major crisis in IndiGo flight operations, the central government has issued strict instructions. The government has ordered the airline to track and deliver all passenger baggage within the next 48 hours. It has also directed full refunds for cancelled and delayed flights till 8 pm on December 7. More than 800 flights were cancelled on Saturday alone.

IndiGo said that 95% connectivity has been restored.

IndiGo claimed that it has restored connectivity on 95% of its routes and is operating flights to 135 of its 138 destinations. The airline admitted that “it will take time to regain public confidence.”

Meanwhile, the government has issued a show-cause notice to the company’s CEO, seeking a response within 24 hours.

Fare hikes on other airlines stopped, fare caps set

To stop other airlines from hiking fares amid this crisis, the government has set airfare caps. The new caps are as follows:

Up to 500 km – maximum ₹7,500

500–1000 km – maximum ₹12,000

Maximum fare – ₹18,000

This cap will not apply to business class.

IndiGo to refund full amount for bookings made between December 5-15

IndiGo announced that it will refund full amount for all bookings made between December 5 and 15. The airline said that no questions will be asked from customers and has publicly apologized.

Centre gives relief: Weekly rest order withdrawn

The government has partially withdrawn the recent DGCA order and given temporary relief to airlines including IndiGo till February 10, 2026.

The DGCA has withdrawn its decision not to grant leave in lieu of weekly rest to pilots and crew.

IndiGo says the rule led to significant staff shortage and disruption in operations.

FDTL rules become a major cause of the crisis

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has updated the rules for the work of pilots and crew under Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL).

Phase 1 – Effective from July 1

Phase 2 – Effective from November 1

The rules were aimed at ensuring safety by providing more rest to the crew. However, this led to a sudden shortage of pilots for airlines.

IndiGo cancelled 1,232 flights in November, of which 755 were due to FDTL rules.

IndiGo is facing a major crisis – having the largest fleet

IndiGo operates over 2,300 domestic and international flights daily, almost double that of Air India.

10-20% of IndiGo’s flights are also affected, resulting in 200-400 cancellations or delays, inconvenienced thousands of passengers.

More than 200 IndiGo flights were affected on Wednesday as well.