Major Disruptions Hit Passengers Across India, Odisha Travelers Affected
Air travel across India has hit a severe turbulence pocket this week, with the country’s largest carrier, IndiGo, grounding planes and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. If you are planning to fly out of Bhubaneswar or Kolkata in the coming days, you might want to double-check your flight status before heading to the airport.
Why are flights being cancelled?
The massive disruption, which saw over 100 flights cancelled on Wednesday alone, is not due to bad weather or technical glitches, but a lack of staff. IndiGo is currently grappling with a severe crew shortage. The issue stems from the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. These rules are designed to prevent pilot fatigue by mandating more rest and fewer night landings. While good for safety, the sudden implementation has left the airline without enough eligible crew members to operate its full schedule.
Impact on Odisha and Kolkata
The ripple effect of these cancellations is being felt closer to home. Reports confirm that flights connecting Bhubaneswar to major hubs like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have seen delays and rescheduling. Additionally, Kolkata airport—a major transit point for travelers from Odisha—saw at least 10 flight cancellations. Passengers at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) have reported confusion and long waits as schedules change at the last minute.
The Government Steps In
The situation has become serious enough for the aviation regulator, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), to launch a formal probe. They have summoned IndiGo officials to explain why so many passengers were left in the lurch and have asked for a clear plan to fix the mess.
What IndiGo Says
In response to the chaos, IndiGo has apologized to its customers. The airline announced that it is making "calibrated adjustments" to its flight timetable for the next 48 hours. This means they are voluntarily cutting some flights now to ensure they have enough crew for the remaining ones, hoping to stabilize operations by the weekend.
Passenger Advice
If you have a ticket booked for the next two days, the airline is offering refunds or alternative flights. However, with help desks overcrowded, the best advice is to check your flight status online before leaving your home.
