India caps airfares as IndiGo flight cancellations leave hundreds stranded

Mumbai/Bengaluru: India’s government on Saturday capped airfares after hundreds of passengers were left stranded outside Bengaluru and Mumbai airports due to IndiGo cancelling 385 flights on the fifth consecutive day of the crisis at the country’s largest airline.

IndiGo, which commands over 60 per cent of the domestic market, has been forced to cancel thousands of flights this week due to a shortage of pilots, following inadequate planning for new rules limiting pilots’ night flying hours and weekly rest periods.

The Civil Aviation Ministry said the fare cap aims to maintain pricing discipline, adding that it would “continue to closely monitor fare levels through real-time data and active coordination with airlines.” For journeys up to 500 kilometres, one-way fares will not exceed 7,500 rupees ($83), while flights between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres — such as New Delhi to Mumbai — are capped at 15,000 rupees ($167).

Delhi airport said flight operations were gradually resuming, but cancellations remained widespread in other cities. The disruptions have impacted weddings, business travel, and other plans, leaving passengers frustrated. Witnesses reported long queues at airports, with many unaware of the cancellations.

IndiGo acknowledged failing to prepare for the November 1 deadline to implement stricter pilot rules, though the crisis emerged as India approached peak December travel. After more than 1,000 cancellations on Friday, the government announced temporary exemptions, allowing IndiGo to resume normal operations between December 10 and 15.

On Saturday, the airline cancelled 124 flights in Bengaluru, 109 in Mumbai, 86 in New Delhi, and 66 in Hyderabad, according to airport sources.

The new rules, which cap night landings and restrict night flying hours, have been temporarily waived for IndiGo until February 10. Pilot labour groups have criticised the exemption as “selective dispensation,” warning that safety must not be compromised. Other major carriers, including Air India and Akasa, have not been affected by the new regulations.

Passengers stranded at airports expressed frustration. Satish Konde, who was scheduled to fly from Mumbai to Nagpur, said, “I am waiting for my luggage to be returned.”

The government has also arranged additional train services to help clear the travel backlog, while airlines and authorities continue to work to stabilise operations.