A massive ‘operational crisis’ at IndiGo has disrupted air travel across the country for the fourth straight day, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and desperate. The cancellations have hit people with urgent personal, medical and religious commitments and Bengaluru remains one of the worst-affected cities.
Bengaluru sees heavy cancellations; distressed woman appeals for help
At Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport alone, 52 arrivals and 50 departures were cancelled on Thursday, a sharp jump from the cancellations earlier this week. Among those stranded is Namita, who is carrying her father’s ashes and urgently needs to reach Haridwar for his immersion ritual.
Holding the urn close, she said, ‘I have my father’s ‘Asthi’ with me. I have to reach Delhi from Bengaluru. Board a flight to Dehradun from Delhi to reach Haridwar. The ‘Asthi Visarjan’ has to be done tomorrow’
#WATCH | IndiGo flight disruptions | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Namita, stranded at Kempegowda International Airport while on her way to Haridwar for her father's 'Asthi Visarjan', says, "I have my father's 'Asthi' (mortal remains post cremation) with me. I have to reach Delhi from… https://t.co/PeIlIuByBY pic.twitter.com/vSvgPuYXpD
---Advertisement---— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
She added that the airline cancelled her flight without warning. ‘The flight has been cancelled without any prior notification. Now they are saying that they have no flights for today. They are asking us to book a flight with other airlines. Flight tickets for other flights cost Rs 60,000 per person, which I cannot afford.’
She also said bus and train tickets were unavailable and pleaded for government intervention as the family must reach Haridwar urgently.
IndiGo issues apology, promises refunds and support
Facing widespread criticism, IndiGo issued a public apology saying, ‘To each one of our customers, we are truly sorry and we will take care!!!’
The airline attributed the crisis to an ‘operational issue’ and assured passengers that full refunds will be processed automatically. It also announced full waivers on cancellations and rescheduling and said it has arranged hotel rooms, food, snacks and surface transport for affected flyers.
Despite the assurances, thousands across India continue to face uncertainty, missed events and soaring airfare prices, with no clear timeline for complete normalcy.
