Airports weigh compensation claims against IndiGo after mass flight cancellations

Private airports weigh compensation after IndiGo cancels 4,500 flights, with Delhi worst hit; final decision awaits operations stabilisation

Private airport operators are assessing whether to seek financial compensation from IndiGo Airlines following widespread disruptions caused by the carrier’s recent mass flight cancellations. The deliberations come as operators calculate the scale of revenue losses incurred during one of the largest operational breakdowns in recent years.

IndiGo cancelled nearly 4,500 flights over the past week, severely impacting schedules across the country. Delhi airport was among the worst affected, with 1,149 cancellations recorded between December 3 and 8. On December 5 alone, all 464 scheduled IndiGo flights from the capital were grounded, leading to significant disruption for passengers and loss of business for airport stakeholders.

Executives at private airport companies said internal discussions are underway to evaluate the financial impact. They acknowledged that while airports and airlines share a symbiotic relationship, the scale of cancellations has created unprecedented challenges. The operators are weighing whether to formally pursue compensation from IndiGo, but any decision is expected only after the current crisis subsides and flight operations return to normal.

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Industry insiders noted that airports rely heavily on consistent flight operations for revenue streams such as landing charges, passenger service fees, retail sales, and parking. The sudden withdrawal of thousands of flights has disrupted these income sources, prompting operators to consider recovery measures.

Officials indicated that the final course of action will depend on the extent of losses calculated once operations stabilize. For now, the focus remains on restoring normalcy and ensuring passengers face minimal inconvenience as IndiGo works to reboot its network.

The episode highlights the broader ripple effects of airline disruptions on the aviation ecosystem, underscoring the financial interdependence between carriers and airports in India’s fast‑growing aviation sector.

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