India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is grappling with widespread disruption across major airports as flight delays and cancellations continue for the second consecutive day. With operations strained and punctuality plunging sharply, thousands of passengers have been left inconvenienced across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

IndiGo’s on-time performance dips sharply

Government data showed the airline’s on-time performance had dropped to 35%, a rare slump for the carrier known for punctuality. IndiGo, which operates more than 2,200 flights daily, saw over 1,400 flights delayed on Tuesday, followed by around 200 cancellations by Wednesday afternoon.

Mumbai Airport issued an advisory alerting passengers to check their flight status, citing airline-related operational issues impacting departures and arrivals.

New duty norms trigger severe crew shortage

A major factor behind the disruptions is the implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules last month. The updated norms mandate longer rest hours and more humane rosters for pilots and cabin crew. Sources indicated many flights were grounded over the past 48 hours as crew availability dipped sharply.

IndiGo acknowledged a “multitude of unforeseen operational challenges” including technology glitches, winter schedule adjustments, weather-related issues and the new rostering norms. The airline said it has begun calibrated schedule adjustments for the next 48 hours to restore normalcy.

FDTL rules cap crew flying to eight hours a day and mandate a minimum rest period of 10 hours within a 24-hour window, with rest time amounting to twice the flight duration.

Airports across India see cancellations

The ripple effect of IndiGo’s disruptions has been felt nationwide:

• Hyderabad’s RGIA reported 33 cancellations, leading to long queues and disrupted travel plans.
  
• Bengaluru Airport saw 42 cancellations, including 22 arrivals and 20 departures, impacting routes to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Goa and Kolkata.
  
• Delhi Airport also saw congestion as a slowdown in the Amadeus system, used for check-ins and reservations, added to delays.
  

Passengers vent frustration

Several passengers took to social media to share their ordeal.
One traveller stranded in Hyderabad since early morning said they missed an important meeting due to continuous delays. Another flyer complained their Udaipur-bound flight was repeatedly delayed, calling the experience “a joke”.

IndiGo issues apology, offers rebooking

IndiGo said it is offering alternate travel options or refunds to affected travellers and urged passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. The airline reiterated its commitment to stabilising operations “as quickly as possible”.

The Centre has reversed its directive that required all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app, following backlash from opposition leaders, civil rights groups and users who raised concerns over privacy and potential misuse.

Government cites rising downloads, public feedback

According to the government, the order was rolled back as user downloads had surged — with over six lakh installations within 24 hours and 1.4 crore total users. Officials said the mandate was originally intended to push wider adoption, but public feedback prompted a re-evaluation.

The official statement reiterated Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s earlier assurance in Parliament that the app is deletable and does not enable snooping. The minister emphasised that in a democracy, every user has the right to remove applications they do not wish to use.

Opposition slams move, flags privacy concerns

Several opposition leaders criticised the initial directive, claiming it risked turning the app into a surveillance tool, echoing earlier privacy controversies. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the decision “ridiculous”, while Karti Chidambaram compared the mandate to practices in authoritarian countries. Leaders from other parties also raised objections, describing it as a move that could compromise personal data.

What the Sanchar Saathi app offers

Sanchar Saathi, developed by the Department of Telecommunications, is designed to help users secure their digital identities, report suspicious activity and access cyber safety awareness material. It is available both as a mobile app and a web portal. The government maintains the app has no function beyond safeguarding users from cyber threats.

A political controversy has intensified during the ongoing Winter Session after Congress leader Ragini Nayak posted an AI-generated video depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi serving tea. The video, shared late last night, has triggered sharp reactions from the BJP and is expected to further disrupt parliamentary proceedings.

AI-generated clip draws criticism

The video shows the Prime Minister carrying a kettle and glasses at what appears to be an international event. PM Modi has often spoken publicly about helping at his father’s tea stall during his childhood, a point that has previously sparked political jibes during election seasons.

The latest post from Nayak has revived that contentious theme, drawing criticism from senior BJP leaders who called the video “insulting” and reflective of a “depraved mindset”.

BJP terms the post an attack on hardworking Indians

BJP leader CR Kesavan said the post was offensive to millions of hardworking citizens and accused the Congress of targeting the OBC community.

He also alleged that Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, “cannot accept” PM Modi’s rise through “hard work and dedication”, contrasting it with what the BJP calls the “entitlement” of Congress leadership.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the party had mocked the Prime Minister’s background earlier as well and claimed such remarks would not be forgiven by the public.

Row likely to disrupt Winter Session

The controversy has surfaced at a time when the Opposition is preparing to corner the government on issues including the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists. With a heavy legislative agenda planned by the Centre, the latest political storm is likely to further heighten tensions in Parliament.