Air travel in India has recently witnessed a turbulence of a different kind, and the ongoing Indigo cancellations are a reminder that even seasoned travellers can find themselves stuck in chaos. With over 500 flights cancelled in a single week and thousands of passengers stranded, India’s largest airline crisis in recent years has highlighted an urgent need for travellers to stay prepared, informed and calm.
Whether you are planning to fly soon or are already caught in the middle of disruptions, here is a practical, India-focused guide to help you navigate the situation smoothly.
Stay updated through multiple credible sources
During fast-evolving crises, information changes by the hour. Relying solely on SMS updates can leave travellers underprepared. Regularly check:
• Indigo’s official website and mobile app
• Verified social media handles
• Airport authority announcements
• News portals tracking live updates
If you’re already at the airport, locate the airline helpdesk immediately for real-time instructions.
Rebook proactively instead of waiting
During major disruptions, waiting for the airline to reach out often leads to delays. Instead:
• Initiate rebooking via the app or website
• Check seat availability across nearby airports
• Look for codeshare flights (if applicable)
• If travel is essential, consider alternate airlines
Remember that during large cancellations, demand surges quickly—early rebooking increases your chances of securing a seat.
Keep essentials in your cabin bag
When baggage delays are widespread, travellers often struggle without basic items. Make sure your cabin bag has:
• Medicines and first-aid essentials
• Power bank, chargers, headphones
• A change of clothes
• Toiletries in travel-size packs
• Snacks and water
This becomes crucial if you are stuck in an airport for several hours or your luggage is delayed.
Document everything
In the middle of a major airline crisis, documentation is your strongest support. Keep:
• All SMS and email updates
• Boarding passes (even cancelled ones)
• Payment receipts
• Screenshots of app notifications
• Photographs of baggage tags
These prove essential during refund disputes, luggage tracing, or claiming compensation.
Know your rights as a passenger
Indian passengers often don’t realise they are entitled to specific protections. Depending on the cause of the disruption, travellers may be eligible for:
• Full refund
• Compensation
• Free rebooking on the next available flight
• Meals and accommodation (in certain cases)
Refer to DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirements to understand your rights clearly.
Stay calm and adaptable
Airport crises are overwhelming, but panic often leads to poor decisions. Keeping communication lines open with family, employers, or travel companions helps ease the stress. If you’re travelling for an event, conference or wedding, notify concerned parties early.
India’s Indigo flight cancellations have highlighted the need for crisis-ready travel habits. From staying informed to keeping essentials handy and understanding passenger rights, preparation goes a long way in ensuring stability during uncertainty. Travel disruptions may continue, but a smart, proactive traveller will always be better positioned to navigate the chaos confidently.
