Why IndiGo Cancelled 9 Flights Today Across Delhi, Kolkata, and Jaipur?

The operational stability of IndiGo was challenged again today. Close to ten flights were cancelled across its network as of 8 am. This follows a brief period of relief on Monday. The disruptions are due to a mix of adverse weather conditions and existing operational constraints.

Renewed Operational Challenges

A total of nine flights were listed as cancelled on the airline’s website. Two flights each were cancelled from Delhi and Kolkata. Single cancellations affected Jaipur, Indore, Amritsar, Agartala, and Ranchi. The affected routes include key sectors like Jaipur–Indore and Delhi–Amritsar. Passengers are advised to check their IndiGo flight status for real-time updates.

Weather and CAT III Conditions

Dense fog is the immediate cause of the latest operational disruptions India. Visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) dropped to 50 meters. This low visibility forces CAT III flight operations at the airport. CAT III is an advanced system for landing aircraft in low visibility. However, it requires specially equipped aircraft and trained pilots. This requirement significantly reduces the airport’s operational capacity. It leads to cascading delays and the need for cancellations.

The Delhi Airport issued an airline passenger advisory today. It confirmed that operations were under CAT III conditions. The advisory urged travelers to contact their airlines directly. Jaipur, Amritsar, and Kolkata, all affected cities, are also certified for CAT III operations.

The Regulatory Backdrop

The current situation is compounded by recent regulatory changes. IndiGo has been grappling with new DGCA crew rostering rules. These rules, known as Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), mandate longer rest periods for pilots. The implementation of these rules caused widespread cancellations earlier this month. The airline admitted to planning gaps in rostering under the new norms. The combination of dense fog disruptions and crew constraints creates a difficult operational environment.

Industry Impact and Passenger Guidance

The dual challenge of weather and regulatory compliance is impacting the entire network. Airlines must roster CAT III-compliant crew for low-visibility operations. This further strains crew availability across the system. Passengers should allow for extra travel time to the airport. They must also monitor their IndiGo flight cancellations status closely. The cascading effect of delays in Delhi can impact flights nationwide. The DGCA continues to monitor the operational stability of the airline.