IndiGo Airlines is the largest and most influential airline in India today. Known for its “On-Time, Low-Cost, Hassle-Free” model, it has carried millions of passengers and revolutionized domestic air travel. But in recent years—especially on 4 December 2025, when several Mumbai to Delhi flights were cancelled—IndiGo faced major operational issues that raised serious concerns among travellers.
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This blog covers the complete history of IndiGo, its rapid expansion, the problems it is facing today, and why cancellations have increased.
Origins: How IndiGo Began
IndiGo was founded in 2005 by:
- Rahul Bhatia (InterGlobe Enterprises)
- Rakesh Gangwal (US-based aviation expert)
Before even starting operations, IndiGo made a bold move by placing an order for 100 Airbus A320 aircraft at the 2005 Paris Air Show—a decision many considered risky for a new airline.
Its first aircraft arrived on 28 July 2006, and IndiGo began commercial flights on 4 August 2006 on the Delhi → Imphal via Guwahati route.
What began with a handful of aircraft soon became one of India’s biggest corporate success stories.
IndiGo Airlines Early Growth: From New Airline to Market Leader
IndiGo’s rise was swift and steady:
✔️ 2007 – Carried the first 1 million passengers
✔️ 2009 – Fleet expanded to 25 aircraft
✔️ 2010 – Became India’s 3rd largest airline
✔️ 2011 – Approved to operate international flights
✔️ 2012 – Became the largest airline in India
✔️ 2012 (Dec) – Carried over 50 million passengers
IndiGo created a new benchmark by offering low prices, punctual flights, and consistent service—something Indian air travellers had been demanding for years.
It quickly became the go-to airline for budget travellers, families, corporates, and frequent fliers.
Massive Scaling: Fleet & Market Dominance
IndiGo’s core strength has always been consistent expansion.
Fleet Growth
- Early years: a very small share of Indian fleet
- January 2023: Inducted its 300th active aircraft
- Mid-2025: Fleet estimated around 426 aircraft
This made IndiGo the largest airline in India, with:
- 100+ cities connected
- Massive domestic presence
- Growing international routes
- High daily flight volume
Its single aircraft strategy (Airbus A320 family) helped cut maintenance costs and made crew training easier.
This model powered its dominance—but also contributed to later problems.
Challenges Over Time: Engine Issues, Governance Troubles & Grounded Aircraft
Despite its strong reputation, IndiGo faced many challenges.
1. Engine Problems (A320neo Fleet)
Between 2023–2024, several aircraft were grounded due to faulty Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines.
- 45–80 aircraft were grounded at various times
- IndiGo had to lease extra aircraft
- Flight schedules became tight and unpredictable
This shook passenger confidence and increased delays.
2. Internal Founder Conflicts
Co-founders Bhatia and Gangwal had disagreements over governance.
By 2022, Rakesh Gangwal exited the board, increasing speculation about internal issues.
3. Operational Collapse in December 2025
This became IndiGo’s biggest crisis ever.
By 5 December 2025:
- Over 2,100 flights were cancelled nationwide
- Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai were the worst hit
- Thousands of passengers were stranded
What caused this massive disruption?
New DGCA regulations:
- Increased mandatory pilot rest
- Restricted night landings
- Stricter duty hours
IndiGo’s high-utilization model couldn’t cope because:
- Not enough pilots
- No extra crew buffer
- Over-scheduled aircraft
- Weather delays during winter
Consequences:
- Airport chaos
- Long queues
- Poor communication
- On-time performance dropped to ~20%
Passenger trust took a huge hit—especially when Mumbai to Delhi flights on 4 December were cancelled without timely updates.
Why Many Travellers Are Now Avoiding IndiGo
Once famous for punctuality, IndiGo is now criticized for:
❌ Frequent delays & cancellations
❌ Poor handling during disruptions
❌ Engine-related safety concerns
❌ No extra crew/aircraft buffer
❌ Rising complaints about customer service
For many, IndiGo is no longer the “risk-free, always-on-time” airline it used to be.
IndiGo’s Rise & Fall: What Worked and What Went Wrong
What Worked
- Low-cost, single-fleet model
- Aggressive expansion
- Strong domestic network
- High aircraft utilization
- Affordable fares
- Reliable on-time performance (earlier years)
IndiGo Airlines: What Went Wrong
- Engine defects causing grounded planes
- Lean crew planning that failed under new regulations
- Underestimating pilot rest rules
- Poor crisis management
- Customer dissatisfaction during disruptions
- Over-expansion without adequate backup systems
IndiGo needs to rebuild trust by improving communication, adding crew buffers, maintaining aircraft better, and reducing overutilization.
IndiGo Airlines Timeline: Major Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2005 | IndiGo founded |
| 2005 | 100 Airbus A320 ordered |
| 2006 | First aircraft delivered |
| 2006 | First commercial flight |
| 2007 | 1M passengers carried |
| 2010 | 3rd largest airline |
| 2011 | International flights approved |
| 2012 | India’s largest airline |
| 2023 | 300th aircraft inducted |
| 2023–24 | Engine issues ground aircraft |
| 2025 | 2,100+ cancellations nationwide |
Conclusion
IndiGo’s journey from 2006 to 2025 is extraordinary—its success changed the Indian aviation industry forever.
But this success came with vulnerabilities: high dependency on aircraft utilization, engine issues, and minimal crew buffers. When regulations tightened and disruptions hit, the system collapsed.
The mass cancellations—including Mumbai to Delhi flights on 4 December 2025—made passengers question IndiGo’s reliability.
If IndiGo wants to regain trust, it must:
- Improve operations
- Add backup aircraft & crew
- Follow safety norms strictly
- Communicate transparently
Only then can it return to its position as “India’s most trusted airline.
Why IndiGo Airlines is facing so many problems in 2025
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