Centre Orders IndiGo to Cut Operations by 10% Amid Nationwide Flight Disruptions Airline Says Services Now Stabilised

In a major intervention to stabilise the ongoing aviation crisis, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has directed IndiGo — India’s largest airline by market share — to reduce its total operations by 10%. The order follows days of widespread disruptions, mass cancellations, and passenger distress across major airports.

The move came after a high-level review meeting between Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, MoCA Secretary Sameer Sinha, and IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. The government stated that the temporary curtailment will help restore operational discipline and significantly reduce unplanned cancellations.

India’s aviation crisis deepens: Govt orders IndiGo to trim operations by 10% after mass cancellations. The airline says services are now fully stabilised and all 138 destinations restored. Here’s the full breakdown of what led to the curtailment.

IndiGo Assures Compliance, Says All Routes Will Remain Operational

Following the directive, IndiGo confirmed that while it will cut operations by 10%, all destinations in its network will continue to be served. The adjustment will be made through a calibrated reduction of flight frequency rather than route cancellations.

In a post on X, Minister Naidu reaffirmed that the airline will operate its “same route network with a 10% curtailment,” adding that the decision was essential to stabilise the carrier’s disrupted operations.

Government Summons IndiGo CEO Again

For the second consecutive day, CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned to the Ministry to explain the airline’s recovery progress.

Minister Naidu said:

“He confirmed that 100% of refunds for flights affected till December 6 have been completed. The Ministry considers it necessary to curtail IndiGo’s overall routes to stabilise operations and reduce cancellations.”

IndiGo Claims Rapid Recovery, Apologises to Flyers

In a video message, Elbers admitted to the operational chaos and issued a public apology, noting that IndiGo had “let customers down” during the sudden disruption.

He shared detailed numbers on the airline’s recovery:

• 700 flights operated on December 5

• 1,500 flights on December 6

• 1,650 flights on December 7

• Over 1,800 flights on December 8 and 9

The airline has now restored flights to all 138 destinations in its network, with on-time performance back to normal levels. Elbers also said most stranded baggage has been returned, and the remaining deliveries are underway.

Refunds Initiated for Lakhs of Passengers

IndiGo said that lakhs of affected passengers have already received refunds. While the airline has not disclosed the total refund amount, it confirmed that the process is continuing “on a daily basis.”

Elbers stated that the airline’s immediate priority was to transport stranded passengers safely, after which the refund process was fast-tracked.

Winter Schedule 2025: New Airports Added, Several Suspended

The Civil Aviation Ministry also released India’s Winter Schedule 2025, announcing:

• 26,495 departures per week, up from 25,610 in Summer Schedule 2025

• Operations from 126 airports

• New airports added: Amravati, Hissar, Purnia, Rupsi

• Suspended operations from:Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Bhavnagar, Ludhiana, Pakyong, Shravasti

The ministry said the updated schedule aims to balance industry capacity, passenger demand, and airport readiness nationwide.

IndiGo Says Operations Fully Stabilised Ahead of Schedule

Earlier, IndiGo had indicated it would normalise operations between December 10–15, but now says it achieved full stabilisation by December 9.

“Flights displayed on our website are scheduled to operate with an adjusted network,” Elbers said.

The government continues to monitor IndiGo’s operational metrics daily to prevent a repeat of the crisis.