Bengaluru, Dec 5 (NationPress) Significant disruptions in services of IndiGo Airlines due to technical malfunctions and a pilot shortage have left thousands of travelers stranded at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as reported by authorities on Friday.

This turmoil has led to missed weddings, funerals, and religious journeys, with passengers voicing their frustration over the lack of information and inadequate support on-site.

In an illustrative case, a bride and groom flying from Bhubaneswar to Hubballi were unable to participate in their own reception following the sudden cancellation of their IndiGo flight.

With no other travel options available, the couple attended the ceremony virtually, while the bride's family took their place at the event, receiving greetings from guests.

The video capturing this wedding reception has gained significant traction on social media.

The celebration of bride Medha Kshir Sagar and groom Sangam Das took place on Wednesday at the Gujarat Bhavan in Hubballi.

Apologizing to their family for attending virtually, the bride mentioned she had no option after the unexpected flight cancellation.

In a statement to the media, the bride's father remarked, "Our daughter was meant to travel from Bhubaneswar to Hubballi. After the flight cancellation, we had to resort to hosting an online reception. The wedding was held on November 23, and with all arrangements finalized and 700 guests invited, we had to devise alternate plans. Approximately 650 attendees participated, and as suggested by relatives, we sat in the bride and groom's designated seats."

He added that the tickets were booked two months in advance, with the couple scheduled to arrive in Hubballi on December 2.

"We remain uncertain about what has transpired with the airline," he commented.

The disruptions have impacted numerous passengers with urgent travel requirements.

A family en route to Indore for a wedding found themselves stranded in Bengaluru, along with the bridegroom, as many passengers could not continue their journey after their luggage was sent to another flight and not returned.

Another passenger, traveling for a funeral, stated his family was anxiously seeking clarity on whether to proceed with the ceremony in his absence.

A foreign traveler arriving from Singapore for a connecting flight to Goa shared her luggage was not returned, and no onward flight was available, describing the ordeal as a nightmare.

A group of pilgrims from Hyderabad en route to Sabarimala via Kochi were also left stranded in Bengaluru.

The devotees expressed dissatisfaction with IndiGo Airlines for not providing basic necessities such as drinking water and shower facilities.

They mentioned that the disruption compelled them to forgo several mandatory rituals while waiting indefinitely at the airport.

IndiGo confirmed in a statement released on Thursday that a total of 52 arriving flights and 50 departing flights had been canceled at Bengaluru Airport.

A subsequent passenger advisory from the airline stated, "Passengers are advised that IndiGo flights from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru to Mumbai and Delhi are canceled until 23:59 hours on December 5. For IndiGo flights to other destinations, we encourage passengers to verify the latest flight status directly with the airline prior to heading to the airport."

"Our ground teams are actively working with IndiGo and all operational partners to minimize inconvenience and support passengers throughout this disruption. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation," the advisory concluded.