India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, to reduce 10 percent of its scheduled winter flights — double the previously announced cut. The new directive may result in more than 200 additional flight cancellations per day.
The decision comes just days after IndiGo faced a severe operational crisis caused by an error in pilot roster management, which led to the cancellation of more than 3,000 flights and caused widespread disruptions for thousands of passengers.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the reduction is necessary to stabilize the situation across all routes. However, he assured that IndiGo will continue operating to all its usual destinations despite the capacity cut.
The ministry summoned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers on Tuesday to explain how the airline is handling the crisis and responding to passenger complaints. In a video message posted on X, Elbers claimed that IndiGo’s operations are now “fully stable.”
IndiGo currently operates more than 2,200 flights daily and controls around 60 percent of India’s domestic aviation market. Analysts warn that a 10 percent capacity cut could further strain India’s already stressed aviation sector.
Since December 1, IndiGo’s share price has dropped by 15 percent amid investor concerns over rising operational and crew-related costs. The airline has also been instructed to regulate fares, expedite refunds, and ensure faster return of passengers’ luggage.
