Chaotic scenes hit airports nationwide as IndiGo delayed and canceled over 250 flights on December 4, 2025. The cancellations occurred mainly in Delhi (30 flights), Bengaluru (73), Hyderabad (68), and Mumbai (85). Frustrated passengers in Hyderabad held protests inside the terminal, chanting slogans against IndiGo for the delays. IndiGo’s flight disruptions spread to other airlines, especially at Pune airport, where nine out of ten parking bays were blocked by IndiGo planes. This forced cancellations of 15 flights by Air India, Akasa, and Air India Express. The airline blamed "misjudgment and planning gaps" in following new DGCA rules on pilot rest and night flying, applied from November 1. IndiGo told officials it needs to cut some flights from December 8 to ease the situation. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed strong displeasure over IndiGo’s handling and said the airline had enough time to prepare. IndiGo requested an exemption from the night flying restrictions until February 10. Meanwhile, it must deploy more staff at airports to support passengers. CEO Pieter Elbers admitted the crisis was big and complex and promised multi-level interventions. Passengers faced long waits in taxiways, and some had to be deboarded using ramps on the taxiway. The DGCA is reviewing IndiGo’s exemption request and has asked for a clear plan on crew recruitment and training to prevent future disruptions.