Your Guide To Navigating The Great Flight Cancellation Confusion Of 2025
As written by a writer tracking a loved one trapped in this aviation circus
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard about the mass flight cancellations that have thrown travel plans into chaos across the country. What looked like a minor scheduling hiccup last week has snowballed into a nationwide shutdown of timetables, packed terminals, and passengers stranded for hours with little clarity.
As it turns out, the country’s aviation watchdog, the DGCA (that’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation for you), modified its guidelines for airline crew rest and working hours, which limited pilot and crew duty hours and included provisions for weekly rest periods. What this means for airlines is that they now have fully booked flights, but lack both pilots and cabin crew to operate these flights. Bonus points to a particular airline that has steadily increased the number of planes in its roster but has frozen hiring to a minimum since this summer. And additional profits for those who now have fully operational planes and a gargantuan demand for them.
Now, if you have been planning to fly in these few days, I understand your frustration. I have a dad who took an Indigo flight on Tuesday and will be flying back this Sunday. If anything, I've seen the confusion unfold first-hand. Truth be told, though, I would rather he have a delayed flight than fly with severely fatigued pilots. It hasn't been a very good year for aviation in India as it is.
Meanwhile, here is a checklist we made of possible options and things you can do to make the best out of your situation if you have to travel in the next few days. Or have a flight that gets delayed or cancelled.
Time Your Arrival At The Airport Well
If you haven’t seen the videos coming out of the chaos yet, airports are overflowing: coming in way too early only turns you into part of the crowd problem. Give yourself a reasonable buffer for security lines and last-minute surprises. Anything more is wasted time and extra stress.
Some passengers have been stuck for half a day inside terminals with little access to proper food or rest. Pack essential medication, something to hydrate with, and quick snacks. You cannot control the delay, but you can control whether you end up miserable during it.
Watch Your Phone Like A Hawk
A ridiculous number of people are discovering cancellations only through messages and email. Alerts are going out at odd hours, too. Keep your phone charged and notifications on. One missed ping can cost you hours of pointless travel.
Consider Switching Airlines
It may cost more, but it can save you an entire day of standing in serpentine queues and praying your flight doesn’t disappear from the boards. If timing matters or you absolutely need to reach your destination on the same day, switching airlines is usually the fastest and least painful solution, even if your bank account winces a little.
Check Your Travel Insurance
Many people forget that their policies cover cancellations and long delays. Keep every timestamp, screenshot receipt, and boarding pass. Insurance companies love loopholes; make sure you give them none.
Know What You Are Owed During A Delay
If you have checked in on time, your rights hinge on how long the delay drags out and the planned duration of your flight. You are entitled to free meals and refreshments if the delay crosses.
2 hours for flights under two and a half hours
3 hours for flights between two and a half and five hours
4 hours for flights longer than five hours
If the delay crosses six hours, you must be given a choice between an alternate flight within six hours or a full refund. In case of overnight delays or stretches beyond 24 hours, the airline must arrange hotel accommodation with transfers for you.
You can file these claims through the AirSewa app or the nodal officer. If the airline does not immediately offer rebooking or a refund be firm and ask. Polite silence gets you nothing. If anything, airlines hit the hardest by the regulations have announced that they will be compensated for the inconvenience.
If Your Flight Gets Cancelled
Your first move is to secure another route. Waiting around only shrinks your options as seats get grabbed instantly. You are legally entitled to financial compensation if you were not informed at least two weeks in advance. If a connecting flight booked on the same ticket collapses because of this mess you can claim compensation on top of your refund.
Lastly, Avoid Flying In The First Place
Even if you intend to fly, know your train, bus or cab options. This writer’s father faces a huge waiting list for a return train on Sunday, so chances are, Dad will have to take an uncomfortable car ride back home. But hey, anything as long as he reaches safely, right?