For the fourth consecutive day, India's aviation sector is in turmoil as the country's largest airline, IndiGo, grapples with massive operational disruptions. The chaos, involving hundreds of cancelled flights, has left thousands of passengers stranded at major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, while sending airfares for alternative travel soaring to exorbitant levels.
'ItDidn'tGo': A Viral Meme Sums Up Passenger Anger
The public frustration found a perfect, humorous outlet in a tongue-in-cheek post by industrialist Harsh Goenka. He shared a spoof of the IndiGo logo, cleverly rebranding it as "ItDidn'tGo". This playful jab at the airline's ongoing cancellations and delays instantly resonated with stranded travellers, making the post go viral across social media platforms.
Many users commented that the meme hit too close to home, sharing their own stories of missed commitments and travel nightmares. One user quipped, "IndiGo going from IndiGo to ItDidn'tGo is wild. Hope the next update is not a name change… but a timetable that actually works!" Another added in Hindi, "Sir, next time if the flight is delayed, we will confidently say — ItDidntGo." The online sentiment clearly indicated that the joke reflected reality more accurately than any corporate statement.
Root Cause: Pilot Shortage and Regulatory Changes
According to the government and aviation regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), the core of the problem is an unexpected pilot shortage. This crisis is linked to the recent rollout of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms concerning crew rest and duty rules. Authorities have stated that error-free planning was not adequately implemented before these new rules took effect.
IndiGo, which operates a massive network of over 2,300 flights daily, has seen its punctuality collapse as cancellations create a ripple effect across its schedule. In response to the escalating situation, the DGCA has approved temporary exemptions on specific pilot duty rules and has ordered a review committee to assess the airline's scheduling failures.
Passenger Fallout and Government Intervention
The real-world impact on passengers has been severe. Travellers have reported facing airfares that are 8 to 10 times higher than normal when trying to book last-minute alternate flights after cancellations. The airline has promised automatic refunds for cancelled services. Meanwhile, the Centre has directed all carriers to provide necessary relief, including arranging hotel stays and alternate transportation for those stranded.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has stated that the government is monitoring the situation hourly. He indicated that significant normalization is expected within the next three days. However, for a full return to stability, IndiGo's own projections point towards February 2026. Until the disruptions ease, the viral "ItDidn'tGo" post continues to circulate, perfectly capturing the sentiment of a nation of frustrated flyers.
