India faces a major pilot shortage, forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of domestic flights on Friday. IndiGo Airlines, the country’s largest carrier, struggles to assign pilots due to new work-hour rules and administrative lapses. Thousands of passengers are stranded at major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Gujarat.
The crisis has entered its fifth day, disrupting air travel during the busy December holiday season. IndiGo operates 400 aircraft and around 2,300 flights daily, but scheduling conflicts worsened due to poor planning. Authorities imposed stricter pilot work-hour regulations to ensure safety, adding pressure on airline operations.
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Passengers reported cancellations affecting weddings, business trips, and personal travel. Many travelers faced confusion at airports, while airline staff scrambled to manage operations. Media reports highlight that IndiGo failed to prepare properly for the new rules before peak travel season.
Officials said they are working with authorities to resolve scheduling issues and minimize further cancellations. Airlines emphasized that safety remains the top priority while attempting to restore normal operations. Travelers are advised to check flight status online before leaving for airports.
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Experts warn that unless airlines improve workforce planning, similar disruptions may continue. The shortage exposes ongoing challenges in India’s aviation sector and highlights the need for better staffing and management. Authorities and carriers are urged to act quickly to stabilize domestic air travel.