
IndiGo will issue full refunds for all flights cancelled from December 5–15
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has been grappling with widespread operational disruptions over the past few weeks. Thousands of passengers have faced cancellations, delays, and long waits at airports due to crew shortages and new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms.
In a major update, the airline has announced full refunds for all flights cancelled between December 5 and 15, 2025, aiming to ease passenger concerns and restore trust.
The chaos stems from the implementation of Phase 2 of FDTL rules, designed to manage pilot fatigue and ensure safety. IndiGo miscalculated the number of pilots needed under the new system, which, combined with winter travel congestion, led to mass cancellations.
At its peak, the airline was cancelling 170–200 flights daily, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
The Civil Aviation Ministry, DGCA, and airport authorities have been closely monitoring the situation, ensuring passengers receive support and that IndiGo improves its operations.
IndiGo has confirmed that passengers whose flights were cancelled between December 5 and 15 are eligible for full refunds, regardless of how tickets were purchased. This applies to:
Follow these steps to ensure you receive your refund quickly and smoothly:
Refunds typically take 7–14 business days, depending on payment method.
The airline has urged all travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Those with bookings in the affected period are also advised to consider rescheduling or alternate flights, if possible.
DGCA continues to monitor IndiGo’s network and passenger support systems, ensuring passengers are not left stranded. Airports have also ramped up support desks to assist with cancellations and refund queries.
While IndiGo works to stabilise operations, passengers now have financial protection through the refund policy. This announcement comes as a relief after days of uncertainty and travel disruption.
It also highlights the importance of regulatory oversight, planning for new operational rules, and communication during crises. For passengers, the focus should be on staying informed, following airline updates, and claiming refunds promptly.