JAMMU, Dec 5: Flight cancellations by IndiGo triggered chaos at Jammu and Srinagar airports on Thursday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded as the airline continued to grapple with a pilot-rostering crisis.
Official sources said 13 flights each were cancelled at Srinagar Airport — both inbound and outbound — while all 11 IndiGo flights scheduled from Jammu Airport were grounded, forcing the airline to declare a ‘No Operation Day’ there. Other airlines operated normally.
Passengers complained that they received no clear communication or assistance, leading to heated protests at both airports. Many, including Vaishno Devi pilgrims, students and Army personnel, said they were left with no guidance as alternate airline fares soared beyond reach.
Long queues formed at inquiry counters as frustrated travellers sought updates. Some said flights earlier shown as “on time” were cancelled only after they reached the airport. Others described being stranded overnight because connecting flights were not arranged as promised.
At Srinagar Airport, travellers from Kerala said they would miss a family function due to the last-minute cancellation. Another flyer, who arrived from Kolkata expecting a seamless connection to Delhi, said the airline and airport staff offered “no help at all.”
In response to the crisis, Indian Railways added an extra 3rd AC coach with 72 seats to the Jammu–Delhi Rajdhani (12426/12425) for the next seven days to help affected passengers reach their destinations.
IndiGo has informed the DGCA that it expects to restore full operations by February 10.
