Mangaluru: The ongoing crisis affecting IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest passenger carrier, triggered significant disruptions at Mangaluru International Airport on Friday, resulting in the cancellation of 18 flights and causing widespread inconvenience to travellers. The large-scale operational challenge, which has been intensifying nationwide, continues to impact schedules, ground operations, and passenger movement across several airports.

Eighteen flights cancelled amid nationwide disruption

According to official airport sources, nine departures and nine arrivals of IndiGo were cancelled on 6 December 2025. Only four IndiGo flights managed to operate through the day, of which three were delayed by nearly 30 minutes from their scheduled departure times.

Airport authorities said that while the disruption was anticipated due to the ongoing operational crisis within IndiGo, the scale of cancellations still came as a setback for hundreds of passengers scheduled to travel for business, medical needs, and personal commitments.

Ripple effect across other airlines

The massive cancellations by IndiGo also created a ripple effect on other airlines operating from Mangaluru. While no services of competing carriers were cancelled, minor delays were reported due to the additional passenger load, congestion at check-in zones, and the cascading impact on shared airport resources such as parking bays and baggage handling systems.

IndiGo’s current crisis—triggered by operational shortages and internal scheduling challenges—has been causing system-wide disruptions for several days. Airports across metro and non-metro cities alike have been reporting long queues, crowded departure halls, and last-minute schedule changes, affecting thousands of passengers.

Ministry introduces passenger-centric relief measures

In light of the nationwide inconvenience caused to air travellers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has stepped in with several passenger-friendly directives to ensure smoother handling of the situation. Among the measures implemented are:

  • Automatic refunds for tickets of cancelled flights
  • Accommodation for stranded passengers facing long waits
  • Lounge access for senior citizens
  • Complimentary snacks for passengers affected by extended delays
  • Additional staff deployment at airports to manage crowding and queries

These measures, officials said, will remain in effect as long as the disruption continues and until the airline stabilises its operations.

Mangaluru airport intensifies support efforts

Authorities at Mangaluru International Airport confirmed that they are working closely with IndiGo to offer maximum support to affected passengers. Seating arrangements have been reinforced in the departure area to accommodate stranded passengers, and additional drinking water facilities have been provided.

Airport staff were also seen coordinating with airline personnel to guide travellers through refund processes, rebooking options, and alternative flight possibilities where available.

Officials emphasised that efforts are underway to prevent overcrowding near ticketing counters and ensure that vulnerable passengers receive priority assistance.

Passenger falls ill amid delays

Amid the prolonged waiting period caused by cancellations and delays, one passenger reportedly fell ill near the airline reservation counter. The 30-year-old traveller experienced dizziness and general weakness—likely aggravated by long waiting hours and stress.

The airport’s on-site medical team attended to him promptly, administering first aid, after which he recovered sufficiently. The incident highlighted the physical strain that prolonged travel disruptions can place on passengers, particularly when information flow is inconsistent and waiting times become unpredictable.

Travellers express frustration

Several passengers expressed frustration over the lack of timely communication regarding cancellations. Many said they received updates only after arriving at the airport, forcing them to wait for hours or scramble to make alternate arrangements.

Some travellers scheduled for connecting flights also said they were left stranded without clear guidance. Business travellers, especially those commuting to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, were among the most affected.

Conclusion

As IndiGo continues to grapple with its operational crisis, airports such as Mangaluru remain severely affected. With 18 cancellations in a single day, the impact on passengers has been considerable. Authorities and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are striving to minimise inconvenience through enhanced support systems and passenger relief measures. However, normalcy is expected to return only once IndiGo stabilises its operational capabilities. Until then, passengers have been advised to check flight status regularly and arrive early at airports to avoid last-minute difficulties.