Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) tightened security on Wednesday after a night of severe flight delays and cancellations that angered thousands. Nearly 10,000 passengers were affected as IndiGo cancelled 31 flights, including 18 arrivals and 13 departures. The trouble started late Tuesday night when an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru was delayed for hours. After boarding finished at 5 a.m., passengers refused to leave the aircraft. "The passengers had to be taken off the aircraft, but they simply refused to get down. That was when CISF personnel had to intervene," said a source. The flight was cancelled due to the pilot citing "crew legality." By Wednesday morning, frustration grew into open protest. A group of Ayyappa Swamy devotees heading to Kerala staged a sit-in at the gates. One devotee said, "They keep telling us to come tomorrow or the day after. What are we supposed to do? The staff here say they don’t know anything." Another said, "Our flight was at 8.40 a.m. It is now past 10.30 a.m. and there is still no update. The staff say they are not even being paid. Our tickets for darshan and return journey are fixed." The Cyberabad police stayed on alert, ready to support CISF and airport staff, who worked to move passengers from crowded gates to waiting areas. Officials rearranged shifts to have more security officers, especially at boarding gates where the worst chaos occurred.