IndiGo Airlines disruptions: Bride & groom forced to attend reception online; thousands stranded at Bengaluru airport
In Bengaluru, on December 5, a confluence of technical glitches and a pilot shortage hit IndiGo Airlines hard, leaving almost all flights grounded at Kempegowda International Airport and hundreds of travelers stranded.
The fiasco threw thousands of itineraries into chaos, causing missed weddings, funerals, and religious trips. Passengers voiced frustration at the lack of clear information and on‑site assistance.
One heartbreaking case involved a bride and groom traveling from Bhubaneswar to Hubballi who could not attend their own reception because their IndiGo flight was cancelled suddenly. With no other travel plans in place, they watched the ceremony happen online. As the bride’s parents took the seats meant for the couple and greeted guests, the wedding video spread widely across social media.
The wedding of Medha Kshirsagar and Sangam Das had been held on Wednesday at the Gujarat Bhavan in Hubballi. Apologizing to relatives for missing the event in person, Medha said she had no choice following the abrupt cancellation. Speaking to reporters, her father recounted:
> “Our daughter was supposed to come to Hubballi from Bhubaneswar. Her flight was cancelled and we had to conduct an online reception. We had organised the event here because the wedding was held on November 23. Their arrival got cancelled suddenly. With all arrangements in place and 700 guests invited, we had to think of alternate plans. About 650 people attended, and as advised by relatives, we sat on the bride and groom’s chairs.”
He added that the tickets were booked two months earlier and the couple had planned to arrive in Hubballi on December 2. “We don’t know what has happened with the airline,” he said.
Beyond the wedding disappointment, the disruptions jammed urgent journeys. A family bound for Indore to attend a wedding was stuck in Bengaluru, and many passengers were unable to depart after their luggage had been rerouted to a different flight without a return. Another traveler heading for a funeral said his family was left unsure whether to proceed with the service without him. A Singapore‑based passenger awaiting a connecting flight to Goa lost her luggage and her onward flight, describing the ordeal as a nightmare.
Pilgrims traveling from Hyderabad to Sabarimala via Kochi were also trapped. The group complained that IndiGo failed to provide basic comforts such as water or shower facilities, forcing them to abandon several mandatory rituals while waiting endlessly.
IndiGo issued a statement on Thursday morning acknowledging that 52 arrivals and 50 departures had been cancelled out of Bengaluru. A later passenger advisory read:
> “Passengers are requested to note that IndiGo flights from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru to Mumbai and Delhi stand cancelled until 23:59 hours on December 5. For IndiGo flights operating to other destinations, we recommend that passengers verify the latest flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport.”
The airline added:
> “Our on‑ground teams are actively coordinating with IndiGo and all operational partners to minimise inconvenience and support passengers through this disruption. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
The incident has left many to wait for updates, while the airline works to restore order and re‑establish trust among its passengers.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
