As IndiGo Airlines grapples with a crippling operational meltdown entering its second week, the Delhi High Court is poised to hear an urgent public interest litigation (PIL) today, demanding better ground support and faster refunds for stranded passengers. The low-cost carrier, which dominates India's skies, has canceled hundreds of flights daily, leaving chaos at major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.​

The crisis stems from a perfect storm: stricter government regulations on pilot flight duty time limits (FDTL), severe weather disruptions, airport congestion, and technical hiccups in scheduling systems. IndiGo's on-time performance has plummeted to single digits in some sectors, with reports of passengers enduring hours-long waits without essentials like meals or clear updates. Aviation authorities have responded swiftly, with Minister Ram Mohan Naidu mandating a 10% reduction in the airline's summer schedule to alleviate pressure and requiring a recovery plan by evening.​

The Supreme Court yesterday labeled the situation a "serious matter" affecting lakhs of travelers but deferred to lower courts and government intervention. Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya's bench has now prioritized the PIL, which alleges systemic failures including inadequate airport facilities and delayed compensations under DGCA norms. Consumer advocates, including Delhi's commission president Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal, urge passengers to claim beyond minimum DGCA relief, citing overbooking and poor communication as key grievances.​

IndiGo maintains operations are stabilizing, targeting full normalcy by February 2026, but this episode highlights chronic issues like pilot shortages in India's hyper-growth aviation market. Travelers are advised to monitor flight statuses via official apps and assert rights to refunds, accommodations, and meals for disruptions. The hearing's outcome could set precedents for accountability amid the sector's rapid expansion.