IndiGo fiasco is cost of govt's monopoly model: Rahul Gandhi

Stranded passengers at the IndiGo counter after several flights were cancelled at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on Friday. (Courtesy: PTI photo)

IndiGo on Friday cancelled over 400 flights while several others were delayed across the country. Calling the entire IndiGo 'fiasco' a result of the Centre's "monopoly model", Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said India deserves fair competition instead of match-fixed monopolies.

At least 550 flights were cancelled on Thursday as well, which disrupted travel plans of hundreds of passengers. The Congress MP said it is ordinary Indians who pay the price in cases of delays, cancellations and helplessness.

"IndiGo fiasco is the cost of this govt's monopoly model. Once again, it's ordinary Indians who pay the price - in delays, cancellations and helplessness," the Leader of Opposition said in a post on X.

IndiGo has been grappling with operational disruptions due to cabin crew woes and other factors.

"India deserves fair competition in every sector, not match-fixing monopolies," Gandhi asserted.

IndiGo on Thursday told aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that operations are expected to be fully stabilised by February 10, 2026. It also sought temporary relaxations in flight duty norms on a day when the country's largest airline cancelled 550+ flights.

Passengers at several airports expressed anger and helplessness as IndiGo’s operations faced major nationwide disruptions, leaving many stuck with little information or alternative arrangements.

Acknowledging that the flight disruptions happening for the past few days are primarily due to misjudgment and planning gaps in implementing the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, IndiGo also informed the regulator that there will be more cancellations till December 8 and from that day, there will also be a reduction in services.

"We extend a heartfelt apology to all our customers and industry stakeholders who have been impacted by these events. IndiGo teams are working diligently and making all efforts with the support of MOCA, DGCA, BCAS, AAI and airport operators to reduce the cascading impact of these delays and restore normalcy," IndiGo said in a statement posted on X.

The last two days have seen widespread disruption across IndiGo’s network and operations. We extend a heartfelt apology to all our customers and industry stakeholders who have been impacted by these events. IndiGo teams are working diligently and making all efforts with the…

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 4, 2025

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu held a high-level review meeting to assess the situation of significant flight disruptions and expressed his displeasure at the way IndiGo handled the new FDTL norms implementation despite having ample time.