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IndiGo Ordered to Trim Flights as Cancellations Top 400, Apology Gesture Draws Scrutiny

The carrier says a switch to tougher crew‑rest limits has reduced pilot availability, prompting regulators to impose a temporary 5% cut in scheduled services.

Overview

  • More than 400 IndiGo flights were cancelled on December 9, with Delhi and Bengaluru among the worst affected, as the airline continued operating on a constrained schedule.
  • India’s aviation authorities directed IndiGo to reduce planned flights by 5% to stabilize operations while schedules are reworked.
  • CEO Pieter Elbers issued a video apology and said the immediate focus is returning stranded passengers and processing refunds as quickly as possible.
  • The civil aviation minister said Elbers was summoned again and reported that refunds for flights cancelled up to December 6 were completed, with strict instructions to accelerate remaining refunds and baggage handover.
  • A viral clip showed crew handing out snack goodie bags containing popcorn, methi mathri and juice, with one passenger alleging a nine‑hour delay that outlets noted they could not independently confirm.