IndiGo Flight Cancellations Lead to Increased Train Services by Indian Railways

IndiGo has faced a significant operational crisis, resulting in the cancellation of 405 domestic flights over five days. In response, Indian Railways has stepped in to assist affected passengers by adding 116 extra coaches across 37 premium trains. This move aims to accommodate the surge in demand due to the flight disruptions. The Railway Ministry has confirmed enhancements across various regions, including the addition of special train services to improve connectivity. With ongoing operational challenges expected to persist, the situation remains closely monitored as passengers express their frustrations at airports nationwide.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 12:23 IST

IndiGo Faces Major Operational Crisis

On December 6, New Delhi witnessed a significant disruption as IndiGo canceled 405 domestic flights, marking the fifth consecutive day of turmoil for the airline. In response to the overwhelming situation, Indian Railways has stepped in to assist stranded passengers by adding extra coaches to various trains.

IndiGo, which typically operates around 2,300 flights daily with a fleet of over 400 aircraft, has seen a sharp decline in its punctuality due to ongoing operational challenges that are expected to continue for several more days.

The crisis stems from an unexpected pilot shortage attributed to planning errors, prompting authorities to closely monitor the evolving situation.

Passengers across airports in the country have expressed their frustration as they face delays and cancellations.

In light of the surge in passenger demand following the cancellations, Indian Railways has deployed 116 additional coaches across 37 premium trains, resulting in 114 enhanced trips nationwide.

According to a statement from the Railway Ministry, Southern Railway has implemented the most augmentations, increasing capacity on 18 trains.

"Additional Chair Car and Sleeper Class coaches have been added to routes with high demand. These changes, effective from December 6, significantly boost accommodation in the southern region," the ministry noted.

"Northern Railway has also made enhancements on eight trains, adding 3AC and Chair Car coaches to improve availability on busy northern routes," it added.

Western Railway has bolstered four high-demand trains with 3AC and 2AC coaches, effective from December 6, to manage the heavy passenger flow from western states to the national capital.

Officials confirmed that East Central Railway has increased capacity on the Rajendra Nagar–New Delhi (12309) service by adding 2AC coaches for five trips scheduled between December 6 and 10, enhancing connectivity on the vital Bihar–Delhi route.

East Coast Railway has similarly augmented the Bhubaneswar–New Delhi services (Trains 20817/20811/20823) by adding 2AC coaches across five trips, improving travel options between Odisha and the capital.

Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at Indian Railways, stated, "Given the surge in passenger numbers, Indian Railways has opted to add extra coaches to several trains. Additionally, plans are in place to operate special trains. Currently, 116 extra coaches are set to be added to 37 trains, with preparations underway."

To further assist travelers, four special train services have been introduced. The Gorakhpur–Anand Vihar Terminal–Gorakhpur Special (05591/05592) will operate four trips between December 7 and 9.

The New Delhi–Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan–New Delhi Reserved Vande Bharat Special (02439/02440) will run on December 6, providing fast connectivity to the Jammu region.

To meet high demand for the western sector, the New Delhi–Mumbai Central–New Delhi Reserved Superfast Special (04002/04001) will operate on December 6 and 7.

Additionally, the Hazrat Nizamuddin–Thiruvananthapuram Central Reserved Superfast Special (04080) will run one way on December 6, offering long-distance connectivity to the south.