Flight Delays Cause Chaos at Pune Airport Amid Bad Weather

Pune Airport is currently facing significant disruptions as numerous flights are delayed or canceled due to adverse weather conditions. Passengers have expressed frustration over the situation, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to intervene and summon Indigo Airlines officials for a meeting. The airline has reported operational challenges leading to over 100 flight cancellations nationwide, with major airports like Delhi and Kolkata also affected. As the airline grapples with staffing shortages and operational issues, pilot associations have raised concerns about management practices and regulatory oversight. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges within the aviation sector as it navigates through winter weather and operational complexities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 12:16 IST

Passenger Disruptions at Pune Airport

Due to flight delays, numerous passengers have been stranded at Pune Airport since morning. Several flights are currently running late, attributed to worsening weather conditions and a drop in temperature. Frustrated passengers have expressed their dissatisfaction and demanded explanations from the authorities.

DGCA Calls Indigo Officials for Meeting

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has summoned Indigo officials for a meeting. Operational challenges have led to the cancellation of over 100 flights nationwide, with many others experiencing delays. This action comes as the aviation authority investigates operational issues concerning the country's largest airline.

Flight Cancellations Across Major Airports

On Thursday morning, 30 flights were canceled at Delhi Airport, while Kolkata saw four cancellations. In Kolkata, Indigo faced operational delays with 24 flights, including 10 arrivals and 14 departures, two of which were international flights heading to Singapore and Siem Reap, Cambodia. This situation arises amid increasing pressure on Indigo to resolve the ongoing chaos affecting passengers and schedules.

Recent Flight Cancellations and Delays

On Wednesday, the airline canceled over 100 flights across various airports due to a persistent staff shortage, with significant cancellations reported in Delhi (38), Bengaluru (42), Mumbai (33), and Hyderabad (19). In November alone, Indigo canceled 1,232 flights, alongside numerous delays.

Operational Challenges Faced by Indigo

The airline, which operates approximately 2,300 domestic and international flights daily, stated that 'unforeseen operational challenges' have severely impacted its network over the past two days, and it apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

Factors Contributing to the Disruptions

The challenges include minor technological glitches, adjustments in winter schedules, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system, and the implementation of updated crew rostering rules, all of which have compounded the situation, making it difficult for the airline to predict.

Criticism from Pilot Associations

In light of the turmoil, the Federation of India Pilots (FIP) criticized the airline's hiring freeze and 'unique' lean staffing strategy, attributing the disruptions directly to these factors. The pilot body stated, 'The current disruptions are a direct result of a long-standing and distinct lean manpower strategy across all departments, particularly flight operations.'

Concerns Over Pilot Management

'Despite two years of preparation to fully implement Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), Indigo adopted a hiring freeze without justification, engaged in non-poaching arrangements, maintained pilot pay freezes through cartel-like behavior, and exhibited other short-sighted planning practices.'

ALPA India's Appeal to DGCA

Another pilot organization, ALPA India, has urged the DGCA to actively consider the qualifications of pilots when granting slots and approving schedules, especially regarding the recently implemented Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS).

Regulatory Oversight and Fairness in the Market

ALPA India emphasized that the recent flight cancellations have raised serious questions about airline management, regulatory oversight by the DGCA, and fairness in the market. They noted that while all carriers, including Indigo, were aware of the revised FDTL norms issued by the DGCA in January 2024, many companies delayed preparations and failed to adjust crew rosters at least 15 days in advance as required.

Implications of New Regulations

'Although the new regulations mention increased rest periods for pilots to mitigate fatigue and other restrictions, they do not necessitate a higher total number of pilots to maintain flight schedules.'