• Widespread travel chaos as flight cancellations rise at Indian airports

• Authorities probe causes of disruption amid growing passenger complaints

India’s largest airline is facing major disruption after more than 300 flights were canceled since Tuesday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded nationwide.

Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru—among India’s busiest airports—were hit hardest by the cancellations and delays.

The airline attributed the chaos to technical issues, weather conditions, and new crew scheduling rules.

Holding over 60% of the domestic market, the company said it had made “calibrated adjustments” to its schedule through Friday to stabilize operations.

On Thursday morning, 33 flights were canceled in Delhi, 85 in Mumbai, and 73 in Bengaluru.

Videos of frustrated travelers circulated on social media, while complaints flooded X, the airline responding mostly with a standard message noting that operations are affected by factors beyond its control.

India’s aviation regulator has launched an investigation into the disruptions, asking the airline to formally explain the reasons behind the cancellations and delays.

Media reports indicate that since November 1, the airline has faced pilot and crew shortages due to new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules, which restrict flight hours and mandate longer rest periods.

However, the Federation of Indian Pilots denied that the new rules were responsible, noting that other airlines remain largely unaffected.