Why Did IndiGo Cancel 12 Flights, Stranding Passengers at Kerala Airports?
Synopsis
IndiGo's recent flight cancellations have left many passengers stranded in Kerala, stirring frustration and concern. The impact is particularly significant for vulnerable travelers, including patients and religious pilgrims, highlighting the airline's need for better crisis management.
Key Takeaways
IndiGo cancelled over 200 flights on Saturday.
At least 12 flights were cancelled in Kerala .
Passengers faced significant challenges and delays.
Indian Railways is adding coaches to assist stranded travelers.
Airline communication with passengers needs improvement.
Kochi, Dec 6 (NationPress) In a significant disruption, IndiGo cancelled over 200 flights on Saturday, severely impacting the travel schedules of numerous passengers in Kerala, including patients and Sabarimala pilgrims.
On Saturday, at least 12 flights were scrapped at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Cochin International Airport, as part of a nationwide disruption, according to local media.
Reports indicate that nine flights, including international ones in Thiruvananthapuram, along with three in Kochi, faced cancellations.
Many passengers expressed frustration over the unprofessional conduct of IndiGo staff and mentioned that refunds could take up to two days, adding to their difficulties.
Margaret, a heart patient from Kochi, found herself stranded at the Kochi airport for over 17 hours, stating that the airline had not responded to her requests regarding her cancelled flight to the US.
She was scheduled to fly from Kochi to the US on Friday. Her British Airways flight was set to depart from Mumbai on Friday night, with IndiGo serving as the connecting flight.
Margaret explained that British Airways could only make alternative arrangements if IndiGo communicated the cancellation.
"It was marked as delayed, not cancelled, thus British Airways couldn’t arrange an alternative. IndiGo only informed me this morning about the cancellation, and said British Airways would reach out for the next steps," she said, noting that she has yet to receive any updates from the airline regarding her connecting and US flights.
A traveler at Thiruvananthapuram airport reported receiving cancellation details from IndiGo only upon arrival at the airport.
"I am headed to Chandigarh via Mumbai. The airline only notified me about the cancellation after I reached the airport," she recounted.
A 75-year-old passenger at Thiruvananthapuram airport shared that IndiGo officials informed him of his flight's cancellation, instructing him to collect a refund, and expressed disappointment in how passengers were treated during such a critical time.
On Saturday, IndiGo reportedly cancelled over 200 flights, exacerbating the air travel crisis as thousands of passengers remain stranded at airports nationwide, waiting for departure.
This disruption came after a previous wave of more than 1,000 cancellations by IndiGo in recent days, further unsettling travel plans across the country.
In light of the increasing demand for domestic travel, Indian Railways has announced temporary measures, including adding extra coaches on select routes, to facilitate passenger movement during this crisis.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the impact of such disruptions on passengers, especially those with pressing health and travel needs. The situation underscores a broader concern regarding the management of flight schedules and communication protocols by airlines, necessitating immediate attention from stakeholders to prevent further inconveniences.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the IndiGo flights cancelled?
The cancellations were part of a nationwide disruption affecting over 200 flights on that Saturday.
How many flights were cancelled in Kerala?
At least 12 flights were cancelled at Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin International Airports.
What should passengers do if their flight is cancelled?
Passengers are advised to contact the airline for updates and refund processes, which may take up to two days.
What measures is Indian Railways taking in response?
Indian Railways has announced temporary measures, including additional coaches on select routes to ease passenger movement.
How are passengers reacting to the cancellations?
Many passengers expressed frustration over the lack of communication and unprofessional behavior from airline staff during this crisis.
