IndiGo crisis: Govt says flights to normalise from midnight; airline apologises to passengers

Key Highlights

• A 24x7 control room at Ministry of Civil Aviation is constantly monitoring the situation on real time basis,” said the ministry in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADUnder the new instructions:Passengers will be able to monitor delays from home using updated information systems deployed by IndiGo and other carriers. Automatic full refunds will be issued to travellers in the event of flight cancellations. Stranded passengers will be accommodated in hotels arranged by the airlines. Senior citizens will receive special assistance, including access to airport lounges. Refreshments and basic necessities will be provided to passengers of delayed flights. A 24×7 control room at the ministry is overseeing the situation in real time. The ministry emphasised that the Central Government remains “fully alert” to passenger concerns and is in continual consultation with all stakeholders. It added that all possible steps — including regulatory exemptions announced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday — will be taken to restore schedules and ensure service stability. More from India IndiGo seeks relaxation in govt rules, says airline has initiated 'calibrated adjustments' Bags lost, endless queues and more: Inside the agonising wait for IndiGo flights, from Mumbai to Delhi and beyondIndiGo disruptions trigger airfare surgeIndiGo’s widespread flight cancellations have caused a sharp jump in domestic airfares, with last-minute ticket prices on several key routes doubling overnight as passengers rushed to find alternatives. Data from MakeMyTrip (MMT) shows the cheapest Delhi–Bengaluru fare for December 6 crossing Rs 40,000, with some options exceeding Rs 80,000.
• On the Delhi–Guwahati route, fares ranged from Rs 23,998 to Rs 35,015. In contrast, international travel is significantly cheaper.
• A Delhi–Dubai flight for the same date costs around Rs 25,855, a Bengaluru–Dubai ticket is available for about Rs 15,000, and Delhi–Bangkok fares start near Rs 18,747. Quick ReadsView AllIndiGo flying mess enters Day 4, Delhi, Chennai airports cancel all flights: What should flyers expect?RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25%, raises GDP growth forecast to 7.3%On the Delhi–Mumbai route, prices have surged to Rs 36,107–56,000, while Delhi–Chennai last-minute fares touched Rs 62,000–82,000, according to MMT. The chaos follows over 500 IndiGo flights being delayed or cancelled nationwide, leading to crowded terminals and stranded passengers.
• All IndiGo departures from Delhi Airport were halted until midnight, though other carriers continued operating. STO.