DGCA fines IndiGo ₹22 crore over mass flight cancellations and passenger disruption

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has imposed a penalty of ₹22.2 crore on IndiGo following an investigation into widespread flight cancellations that caused major disruption for passengers across the country.

The fine was recommended by a four-member committee constituted to examine the circumstances behind the airline’s large-scale operational breakdown. The panel concluded that the disruption resulted in significant inconvenience to travellers, raising concerns over scheduling practices, passenger communication and contingency planning.

The inquiry was initiated after IndiGo faced a wave of cancellations and delays over a short period, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports and triggering complaints over inadequate assistance, poor information flow and prolonged waiting times.

According to the findings, the regulator determined that stronger operational safeguards and passenger-handling mechanisms should have been in place to manage the crisis more effectively. The penalty aims to reinforce accountability and deter similar lapses in the future.

IndiGo, which operates the largest domestic network in India, has faced increasing scrutiny as air travel demand continues to surge. Aviation authorities have repeatedly stressed that airlines must balance expansion with operational reliability and passenger safety.

The DGCA has indicated that it will continue close monitoring of airline operations, especially during peak travel periods, to ensure compliance with aviation norms and consumer protection guidelines.