BENGALURU, Dec 3: Passengers at Kempegowda International Airport faced a harrowing time on Wednesday as IndiGo cancelled 42 flights, disrupting travel plans and leaving hundreds stranded. The cancellations included 22 arrivals and 20 departures, affecting major routes such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Kolkata, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.
Airport sources confirmed that the cancellations were due to operational reasons, including technical glitches, crew rostering issues, and congestion at the airport. The disruptions came on the back of 20 cancellations the previous day, making it the second consecutive day of large-scale flight disruptions for the airline.
Scenes at the airport resembled a crowded railway platform, with passengers sitting wherever they could find space, waiting for updates. Many took to social media to vent their frustration, complaining about the lack of clear communication and inadequate arrangements for food and water. Travel agents also reported chaos, with clients frantically seeking alternatives to reach their destinations.
IndiGo issued a statement acknowledging the inconvenience caused to passengers. “We have had several unavoidable flight delays and cancellations over the past few days due to various reasons, including technical issues, airport congestion, and operational requirements. Our team is working to resolve these challenges at the earliest,” the airline said.
While some passengers managed to rebook flights after long waits, others were forced to return home or remain stranded at the airport. The cancellations have raised concerns about the airline’s preparedness during peak travel season, with calls for better contingency planning and passenger support.
The incident has highlighted the growing pressure on Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, and the need for airlines to strengthen operational resilience to avoid large-scale disruptions.
