New Delhi— Domestic carrier IndiGo on Thursday cancelled 67 flights from multiple airports across the country, citing forecasted bad weather and limited operational issues, according to information available on the airline’s website.
Of the total cancellations, only four flights were scrapped due to operational reasons, while the remaining were attributed to anticipated adverse weather conditions at several airports, including Agartala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Varanasi and Bengaluru. The cancellations come during the peak winter fog season, which the aviation regulator has officially designated from December 10 to February 10.
Under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s fog operations norms, airlines are required to deploy aircraft equipped with CAT-IIIB systems and ensure that pilots trained for low-visibility operations are rostered on such routes. Category-III landing systems enable aircraft to land in extremely poor visibility, with CAT-IIIA allowing landings at a runway visual range of 200 metres, and CAT-IIIB supporting landings even when visibility drops below 50 metres.
IndiGo’s operations continue to remain under close scrutiny by the DGCA following widespread disruptions earlier this month. The airline is currently operating a curtailed winter schedule in line with government directions. While IndiGo was originally permitted to operate around 2,144 domestic flights per day during the winter season, authorities reduced the schedule by 10 per cent after severe operational disruptions linked to new pilot duty and rest norms.
As a result, the Rahul Bhatia-controlled airline is now capped at operating approximately 1,930 domestic flights daily. Between December 1 and December 9, IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights, including a single-day cancellation of 1,600 services, triggering passenger outrage and regulatory intervention.
The DGCA subsequently constituted a four-member committee to investigate the root causes of the disruptions. The panel has already questioned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras and is expected to submit its findings later this week.
Meanwhile, IndiGo issued a travel advisory on social media, stating that low visibility and fog over Bengaluru had affected flight schedules and that the airline was monitoring conditions closely. Several passengers, however, expressed frustration over repeated delays and cancellations, with some demanding explanations and compensation for prolonged inconvenience, particularly those travelling with elderly family members.
