IndiGo says daily flights recover to over 1,500, network connectivity back on track

Domestic carrier IndiGo on Saturday (December 6) said it has restored its daily operations to over 1,500 flights as part of its ongoing efforts to recover from recent disruptions. The airline said it had operated just over 700 flights yesterday, connecting 113 destinations, after cancelling a significant number of flights to reboot its network, systems, and rosters.

A spokesperson for IndiGo said, “The main objective was to reboot the network, systems, and rosters so that we could start afresh today with a higher number of flights, improved stability, and there are some early signs of improvement. Today, we are on our way to operate over 1,500 flights by the end of the day."

The airline has re-established over 95% of its network connectivity, operating to 135 out of 138 destinations.

Also Read: Government caps domestic airfares as IndiGo crisis sends ticket prices soaring

The spokesperson added, “While we understand that we have a long way to go, we are committed to build back the trust of our customers. We would like to thank all our partners and government agencies for their constant support and guidance.

Most of all, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers and staff for their patience and cooperation through these tough times. We apologise once again."

Meanwhile, the civil aviation ministry on Saturday directed the airline to complete the ticket refund process for the cancelled flights by Sunday evening, and ensure baggage separated from the travellers are delivered in the next two days.

The airline had cancelled over 1,000 flights on Friday (December 5). The airline said its teams are focused on stabilising schedules, reducing delays, and supporting customers through this period. IndiGo, in a statement, also said it is addressing all customer refund issues on "priority".

Also Read: IndiGo turmoil: Airline cancels over 400 flights on December 6

The refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be completed by 8 pm on Sunday, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement. "Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations," it said.

IndiGo has also been instructed to set up a dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cell. "These cells have been tasked to proactively contact affected passengers and ensure that refunds and alternative travel arrangements are processed without the need for multiple follow-ups. "The system of automatic refunds will remain active until operations stabilise completely," the statement said.

Further, the ministry said the airline should ensure that baggage separated from passengers due to flight cancellations or delays should be traced and delivered to them within the next 48 hours. "The number of cancellations on Saturday dropped below 850 flights, much lower compared to Friday. We are continuing to work towards reducing this number progressively over the next few days," IndiGo said.

Also Read: IndiGo ordered to complete refunds and return baggage of passengers by Dec 7 evening

On Friday (December 5), shares of Interglobe Aviation Ltd ended at ₹5,371.30, down by ₹66.30, or 1.22%, on the BSE.