India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is facing one of the biggest operational crises in its history. As the disruption entered the sixth straight day, thousands of passengers across the country continued to struggle with last-minute cancellations, delays, and long airport queues.
Among the many frustrated passengers, one man caught the internet’s attention — a groom who said he was missing his own wedding because of IndiGo’s cancelled flight.
Groom’s Viral Video Shows His Calm Reaction Amid Chaos
A video widely shared on Instagram shows a groom holding his wedding invitation card and telling fellow passengers that he may not reach his own marriage ceremony due to IndiGo’s ongoing crisis.
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Instead of shouting or arguing, the groom remained calm and even smiled while explaining his situation. This unexpected positivity drew admiration from social media users.
Many people commented that his patience and maturity show why his future wife is “very lucky.” The video has already gained tens of thousands of likes online.
Why IndiGo Flights Are Getting Cancelled: The Pilot Crisis Explained
IndiGo is facing a major shortage of pilots due to sudden absenteeism and alleged non-compliance with duty-time rules. This has forced the airline to cancel hundreds of flights across multiple cities.
According to aviation officials, the airline failed to plan enough backup crew and did not manage pilots’ rest schedules properly. This created a chain reaction, affecting flight after flight.
The crisis has caused confusion, stress, and financial losses for travellers.
DGCA Criticises IndiGo for Poor Planning and Oversight
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a strong notice to IndiGo, blaming the airline for “serious lapses” in planning and resource management.
The DGCA highlighted that such a large collapse in operations could be a violation of:
- Aircraft Rules, 1937
- CAR regulations on crew rest, flight duty times, and operational limits
- Officials also warned that IndiGo’s top management failed to ensure smooth operations and reliable services for passengers.
Government Orders IndiGo to Clear All Refunds by Sunday 8 PM
To help affected passengers, the civil aviation ministry has issued strict instructions:
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All pending refunds must be processed by 8 PM on Sunday, December 7
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No rescheduling charges can be taken from passengers affected by cancellations
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Any delay or refusal to process refunds will invite immediate regulatory action
This is one of the strongest actions taken by the ministry in recent years against any major airline.
Passengers Continue to Face Long Delays and Distress
Even after government orders, airports remained crowded with anxious passengers. Many missed family events, office meetings, medical appointments, and vacation plans.
Reports from major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad show that travellers were waiting for hours with little clarity on flight status.
Airline staff were also overwhelmed, handling complaints, refund requests, and rebooking demands.
Why This Crisis Matters for Indian Aviation
IndiGo carries more passengers than any other airline in India. When it struggles, the entire aviation system feels the impact — ticket prices rise, connecting flights get delayed, and airport traffic gets disturbed.
A long-term crisis like this can affect:
- Customer trust
- Airline reputation
- Pilot work conditions
- Market competition
Experts believe IndiGo will need major internal restructuring to avoid such breakdowns again.
Conclusion
The IndiGo crisis has exposed serious weaknesses in airline planning and crew management. While the government has stepped in with strict refund deadlines and regulatory warnings, passengers continue to face disruptions on the ground. The groom’s viral video — showing a calm man missing his own wedding — has become a symbol of the wider frustration people are experiencing. As operations slowly stabilise, all eyes are now on IndiGo to restore normalcy and rebuild public confidence.
FAQs
Why are IndiGo flights getting cancelled?
The main reason is a shortage of pilots, combined with poor planning of duty hours and rest schedules.
What did the groom in the viral video say?
He said he was missing his own wedding because his IndiGo flight was cancelled, but he handled the situation calmly.
What action did the government take?
The aviation ministry ordered IndiGo to clear all pending refunds by Sunday 8 PM and banned rescheduling fees for affected passengers.
What did the DGCA say about the crisis?
The DGCA criticised IndiGo for major planning failures and warned that the airline may have violated aviation safety and crew duty rules.
Will passengers get refunds quickly?
Yes, the government has made refunds compulsory and warned of strict action if IndiGo delays the process.