9.6 Lakh Passengers Affected Due to 6890 Flight Cancellations in Dec 2025
The primary causes for the disruption were over-optimisation of operations, inadequate regulatory preparedness along with deficiencies in system software support and shortcomings in management structure and operational control on the part of IndiGo: MoCA
Hyderabad: As many as 966864 passengers were affected in December 2025 across the country following cancellation of 6890 flights being operated by eight airlines, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
It further stated that of the total 6890 flight cancellation, 5689 belong to IndiGo while 924 to Air India Group and 79 to SpiceJet. Around 902384 passengers were affected because of cancellation of 5689 IndiGo flights.
Replying to a question posed by MPs KC Venugopal and Sudha R in Lok Sabha recently, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the primary causes for the disruption were over-optimisation of operations, inadequate regulatory preparedness along with deficiencies in system software support and shortcomings in management structure and operational control on the part of IndiGo.
Additionally, during December 2025, a considerable number of flights were cancelled by all airlines, due to adverse weather related issues. The Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a caution and warning to senior management of IndiGo for deficiencies in oversight, planning and implementation of revised FDTL norms, directed removal of the concerned SVP from operational responsibilities, and instructed the airline to take further action and submit a compliance report.
A one-time financial penalty of Rs. 22.20 crore was imposed on IndiGo Airlines under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. Indigo has further been directed to furnish a bank guarantee of Rs. 50 crore in favour of DGCA to ensure compliance with directives and long-term systemic corrective measures.
With the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994, airfares have not been regulated by the government. However, the government maintains oversight and intervenes in exceptional circumstances to prevent opportunistic pricing.
Airlines are permitted to fix fares as per market dynamics in accordance with Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, with DGCA's Tariff Monitoring Unit monitoring fares on selected routes. Fares charged prior to the Ministry's Order No. 01/2025 dated December 6, 2025 were within the airlines' prescribed tariffs, and passengers charged in excess of the capped fares after its implementation are eligible for refunds, the Ministry said.
