‘Customer no longer king, it’s a monopoly’: Netizens fume as IndiGo cancels 400 flights on third day

IndiGo’s operational disruptions extended to a third straight day on Friday, with 400 flights canceled across major airports in India. Travelers in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are facing major flight disruptions, in addition to more than 550 cancellations reported the previous day.

Upset by these cancellations, netizens took to social media to vent their frustration. CA Chirag Chauhan wrote on X that his flight from Indore to Mumbai was delayed several times before it finally took off at around 10 pm.

He explained that everything was not smooth after landing either. “Landed at 23:30. Ground staff caused delay till 00:00. Got luggage at 00:30. Reached home by 01:30. Thank God it was not cancelled. However, experience shows that the customer is no longer the king – it is a monopoly,” CA Chauhan said.

Another user shared a photo of people waiting at Delhi airport since 4am for their flight. “Kids have been waiting since 4am for their @IndiGo6E flight at DEL T1 airport. Hungry, tired and sleepy,” the user said.

But others have also highlighted problematic passenger behaviour.

Scenes of chaos erupted at Bengaluru airport, with adults engaging in “toddler-level tantrums”, highlighting the lack of civic sense, one user said.

“Here’s a reality check for everyone losing their minds over delays: 1. That 22-year-old ground attendant you’re abusing doesn’t hide the plane in her pocket. 2. She’s booked a budget airline, not a private jet. Sit down. 3. I’d rather get to Goa two hours late than not at all. The level of entitlement here is embarrassing. IndiGo employees don’t want to deal with this either. Be better. He stopped and wrote: ‘Treating service workers like personal punching bags.’

Another user shared a video of angry passengers throwing water on IndiGo employees and trapping them at an airport.

“When passengers start throwing water, screaming and grabbing at @IndiGo6E staff, we cross a line that cannot be excused for any delay. These are human beings doing their best despite operational challenges. They deserve basic respect, even in moments of frustration,” the user commented.

IndiGo flights have been canceled today

All IndiGo flights at Delhi airport have been canceled till midnight, airport sources told India Today. Moreover, Mumbai airport has seen 104 IndiGo flights canceled since this morning, divided between 53 departures and 51 arrivals. This increase has contributed to increased congestion and delays across stations.

Bengaluru Airport announced the cancellation of 52 arrival flights and 50 departure flights, while Hyderabad Airport recorded the cancellation of 43 arrival flights and 49 departure flights by Friday morning. In Pune, the airport director confirmed the cancellation of 32 IndiGo flights between midnight and 8am, with one flight from Nagpur diverted to Hyderabad.

“Pune Airport reported congestion at the parking lots as several IndiGo aircraft remained on the ground awaiting crew availability, causing delays to onward flights across multiple airlines. The airport is closely coordinating with airlines, ground handling agencies, air traffic control and other partners to manage congestion and restore normal operations as quickly as possible,” the director said.

On Friday, Thiruvananthapuram Airport announced the delay of three arrivals and three departures, with two arrivals and two flights cancelled. Yesterday, five arrivals and five departures were delayed in Thiruvananthapuram, indicating continuing challenges in restoring regular flight schedules.