Amid widespread flight disruptions affecting thousands of passengers across multiple airports, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Saturday directed IndiGo Airlines to clear all pending passenger refunds by 8:00 pm on Sunday, warning of immediate regulatory action in case of non-compliance.
Under the directive, passengers whose flights were cancelled or disrupted will receive full refunds automatically to their original mode of payment. 
The airline has also been barred from charging any fee for rescheduling, ensuring that travellers are not penalised for disruptions beyond their control.
The Ministry further ordered IndiGo to trace and deliver all baggage separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays to their residential or chosen addresses within the next 48 hours.
&ldquo;Airlines have been instructed to maintain clear communication with passengers regarding baggage tracking and delivery timelines, and to provide compensation wherever applicable under existing passenger rights regulations,&rdquo; the Ministry said in an official release.
The Ministry added that it remains in continuous coordination with airlines, airports, security agencies and all operational stakeholders to safeguard passenger rights during this period of disruption.
Oversight mechanisms have also been strengthened to ensure proper assistance for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, students, patients and others requiring urgent travel.
&ldquo;The Ministry continues to closely monitor the recovery process and remains fully committed to restoring complete operational normalcy at the earliest,&rdquo; the release said.
IndiGo, which had earlier apologised for the disruption, announced refunds for all bookings between December 5 and December 15, along with waivers on cancellation and rescheduling, and additional support such as accommodation, meals and on-ground assistance for stranded passengers.
&ldquo;In response to recent events, all refunds for your cancellations will be processed automatically to your original mode of payment. We will offer full waiver on all cancellations and reschedule requests for travel between December 5 and December 15, 2025,&rdquo; the airline said in a post on X.
However, the government&rsquo;s latest directive tightens the deadline and places the refund process under close regulatory scrutiny.
For thousands of affected travellers, the move offers relief and ensures that passengers are not left bearing the financial burden of operational disruptions.

IndiGo staff assisting stranded passengers at airport

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December 7, 2025 | 11:12 IST