The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday issued a press note clarifying the status of refunds, statutory compensation and additional relief measures for passengers affected by large-scale operational disruptions faced by IndiGo Airlines between December 3 and December 5, 2025.
According to the aviation regulator, it has been in continuous engagement with IndiGo to ensure compliance with passenger protection norms following flight cancellations and prolonged delays during the said period. The DGCA reiterated that affected passengers are entitled to compensation strictly in accordance with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Section 3, Series M, Part IV, which governs facilities to be provided by airlines in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations and delays.
Refunds Fully Processed, Claims Open for Compensation
IndiGo has informed the regulator that all refunds pertaining to flight cancellations during December 3–5, 2025 have been fully processed and credited back to passengers’ original modes of payment. This assurance covers cancellations across the airline’s network during the disruption window.
In addition to refunds, the DGCA clarified that passengers whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time during this period are eligible to claim compensation, wherever applicable, under the CAR framework. Such compensation claims can be submitted directly through IndiGo’s designated online portal in line with DGCA norms.
‘Gesture of Care’ Announced as Additional Relief
Beyond statutory obligations, IndiGo has extended an additional voluntary relief measure termed a “Gesture of Care (GoC)” to support affected passengers. Under this initiative:
- Passengers are being offered two travel vouchers of ₹5,000 each, amounting to a total value of ₹10,000
- The vouchers will be valid for 12 months
- Eligibility extends to passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed by more than three hours during the December 3–5, 2025 disruption period
The airline has published a dedicated list of flights eligible for the Gesture of Care, and passengers can verify eligibility and submit their details through IndiGo’s official website.
DGCA Emphasises Passenger Rights and Communication
The DGCA also used the occasion to remind passengers of the importance of providing accurate contact details, including mobile numbers and email addresses, at the time of booking—whether tickets are purchased directly from the airline or through travel agents. Accurate contact information, the regulator noted, enables airlines to communicate schedule changes promptly and extend assistance where required.
Regulatory Oversight Continues
The press note underscores DGCA’s continued oversight of airline compliance with passenger protection regulations, particularly during periods of operational stress. By reaffirming statutory compensation rights and acknowledging supplementary measures taken by IndiGo, the regulator has sought to balance consumer protection with transparency in airline operations.
Passengers affected by the December 2025 disruptions are advised to review their eligibility for compensation and vouchers and submit claims within the timelines prescribed by IndiGo and DGCA norms.
