Low-cost carrier IndiGo on Wednesday said it is fully cooperating with the regulator’s committee and providing all requested information following major operational disruptions earlier this month that led to large-scale flight cancellations across the country.
In a year-end note, the airline acknowledged that the period from December 3 to 5, 2025, was marked by significant industry-wide challenges, during which IndiGo faced a major operational breakdown that affected thousands of passengers nationwide. The airline said the disruption had a direct impact on its customers, for which it has already issued an apology.
The cancellations, which left tens of thousands of passengers stranded, were attributed to poor pilot roster planning and inadequate preparedness for tighter safety regulations. The episode triggered widespread criticism and prompted closer scrutiny by multiple regulatory bodies.
“The operating environment presented periods of industry-wide challenges this year, including IndiGo’s major operational disruption (3–5 December 2025), regrettably impacting the airline’s valued customers,” the airline said in its statement.
IndiGo said it has since restored its flight network and operations to normal levels and is focusing on strengthening its internal processes to improve operational resilience. “Meanwhile, IndiGo is fully collaborating and providing requested information to the regulator’s committee,” the airline added.
Following the disruptions, the government placed the airline under close scrutiny. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) took cognisance of complaints filed against IndiGo in connection with the cancellations that disrupted domestic air travel across multiple routes.
In an earlier statement, the CCI said that based on its initial assessment, it had decided to proceed further in the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002. The inquiry is aimed at examining whether the disruptions raised competition-related concerns.
Separately, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) dismissed four flight inspectors who were responsible for monitoring IndiGo’s safety and operational standards. The move came amid questions over regulatory oversight during the period of widespread cancellations.
In his year-end message, IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers said the airline would use the experience as an opportunity to reflect and learn. As the airline prepares to enter the New Year, he said it was important to take stock of progress made and address operational challenges encountered during the year.
“This is the point in our journey where our renewed focus will drive further scale, innovation, and impact across new frontiers, keeping our customers at the heart of everything,” Elbers said.
Despite the disruptions, IndiGo expects to close calendar year 2025 with over 123 million customers, an increase of more than 10 million compared to 113 million passengers carried in 2024, indicating continued growth in demand.
Looking ahead, the airline is set to expand its international network. IndiGo plans to launch non-stop services to Athens starting January 23, 2026. The route will also mark the international debut of India’s first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which the airline says will open opportunities to connect medium- and long-haul markets directly from India.
The developments come at a time when IndiGo remains India’s largest airline by market share, even as regulators examine the circumstances surrounding its recent operational challenges.
