Centre Directs IndiGo to Complete Refunds for Cancelled Flights by Sunday

New Delhi: With IndiGo’s large-scale flight cancellations continuing to disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday instructed the airline to complete refunds for all cancelled flights by Sunday evening. The ministry also directed the carrier to ensure that baggage separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays is traced and delivered within 48 hours.

The directive came a day after IndiGo cancelled more than 1,000 flights and continued to face disruptions for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, including over 400 cancellations across major airports. The ministry warned that any delay or failure to comply with refund rules would lead to immediate regulatory action.

According to the ministry, all refunds for cancelled or disrupted flights must be issued by 8 pm on Sunday. Airlines have also been told not to charge rescheduling fees for passengers whose travel plans were affected by the cancellations.

IndiGo has been asked to set up dedicated support and refund facilitation cells to assist passengers. These help desks have been instructed to proactively contact affected travellers and process refunds or alternative travel arrangements without requiring repeated follow-ups. The ministry added that the automatic refund system will continue until flight operations stabilise.