Severe chaos unfolded at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Saturday as IndiGo’s nationwide operational crisis led to long queues, repeated cancellations and distressed passengers. The disruptions intensified even after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) temporarily suspended its Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) order to ease the situation. Between midnight and 6 am, the airport saw seven arrivals and twelve departures cancelled, leaving travellers stranded with limited alternatives.
Among those affected was Mahrishi Jani, who broke down while explaining that the cancellation cost his team their chance to participate in the Smart India Hackathon 2025. With no alternative travel options, their months of preparation went in vain. Another passenger, Ikhlaq Hussain, shared that he had been stuck for two days after arriving from Jeddah, with his Lucknow-bound flight repeatedly delayed. Similar complaints emerged across the country, with passengers reporting unresponsive airline staff and a lack of clarity about flight statuses.
In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation directed IndiGo and other airlines to urgently stabilise schedules. The government announced measures such as automatic refunds for cancelled flights, hotel accommodation for stranded passengers, refreshments for delayed travellers, and special support for senior citizens, along with 24×7 monitoring by a control room.
