Indigo news: India’s aviation industry has seen a big change after IndiGo vacated 717 slots at domestic airports. This happened after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the airline to reduce its winter flight schedule.
The decision came after serious flight problems in early December 2025, when IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights. Many passengers were stuck at airports, and travel plans were badly affected. To avoid such problems in the future, the DGCA stepped in and cut IndiGo’s winter flights.
Why DGCA Reduced IndiGo Winter Flights
The cut in flights was not IndiGo’s choice. Between December 3 and December 5, 2025, the airline cancelled more than 2,500 flights due to staff shortages and technical issues.
DGCA Takes Strict Action
After reviewing the situation, the DGCA found that IndiGo was not properly prepared to handle its large number of flights. To stop sudden cancellations and bring stability, the regulator ordered a 10% cut in the winter schedule.
Because of this, IndiGo vacated 717 slots, which are fixed time windows for aircraft to take off or land at airports.
How Big Is the IndiGo Winter Schedule Reduction
Before the DGCA action, IndiGo had planned a very busy winter season.
Flight Numbers Before and After the Cut
Earlier plan: About 2,144 domestic flights per day
After the DGCA order: Around 1,930 flights per day
Comparison: Even lower than the airline’s summer average
This reduction forced the airline to give up hundreds of airport slots until March 2026.
Which Airports Are Most Affected
Out of the 717 slots IndiGo vacated, 364 slots are from major metro airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Bengaluru and Hyderabad Hit the Most
Data shows that Bengaluru and Hyderabad have lost the highest number of IndiGo slots. These cities are major travel hubs for business and IT professionals, so the impact will be felt by many frequent flyers.
Month-Wise Slot Details
January 2026: 313 slots already vacated
February 2026: 43 slots to be vacated
March 2026: 361 slots to be vacated
Most slots are being given up in March, showing that IndiGo wants time to fix its internal problems before increasing flights again.
Other Airlines Can Apply for These Slots
On January 22, 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation invited other airlines to apply for the slots that IndiGo vacated after DGCA curtailed winter flights.
Rules for Taking Over the Slots
The government has set some clear rules:
Airlines cannot stop their current routes to take new slots
The slots are available only till March 2026
Airlines must get approval from airport operators
Because of these limits, not all airlines are eager to grab the slots.
Why Airlines Are Not Rushing to Take Slots
Even though metro airport slots are valuable, many airline executives are cautious.
The Red-Eye Flight Issue
Many of the slots IndiGo vacated are for late-night or early-morning flights, also known as red-eye flights. These timings usually have fewer passengers.
Also, starting new routes for just one or two months is risky. Airlines may lose money if the slots go back to IndiGo in April.
What Caused the IndiGo Flight Crisis
The DGCA investigation found several problems behind the December chaos.
Main Problems Identified
Not enough pilots and crew available
Poor planning and management
Technical problems with flight systems
Weak control over daily operations
These issues led to large-scale cancellations and passenger trouble.
DGCA Fines and Warnings for IndiGo
The DGCA took strong action to ensure the airline fixes its problems.
Penalties Imposed
₹22.20 crore in fines
Warnings to CEO Pieter Elbers and two senior officials
₹50 crore bank guarantee to ensure long-term improvements
This shows that the regulator wants airlines to focus on safety and reliability, not just growth.
What This Means for Passengers
For travelers, the news that IndiGo vacated 717 slots after DGCA curtailed winter flights means fewer flight options on some routes.
Possible Impact on Ticket Prices
If other airlines do not take these slots, ticket prices may increase on busy routes like Bengaluru–Delhi and Hyderabad–Delhi. However, the remaining flights are expected to be more reliable.
The DGCA believes fewer flights are better than repeated cancellations.
Final Thoughts
The situation where IndiGo vacated 717 slots at domestic airports after DGCA curtailed winter flights is a major lesson for India’s aviation industry. It shows that airlines must grow carefully and make sure their systems and staff can handle the load.
As the IndiGo winter schedule reduction continues until March 2026, passengers and industry experts will closely watch how the airline improves its operations. For now, this decision highlights the importance of smooth operations over rapid expansion in the Indian aviation sector.