IndiGo flight cancellations trigger ₹1,000 crore loss across Delhi’s trade and tourism sectors

Delhi’s trade, industry, tourism and exhibition sectors have suffered an estimated loss of ₹1,000 crore following widespread IndiGo flight cancellations, which disrupted the movement of business travellers and tourists, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) said on Wednesday.

CTI, an umbrella body representing market associations across the capital, reported a 25% decline in footfall at major commercial hubs over the past ten days. IndiGo has not issued an immediate response.

According to CTI, more than 4,000 IndiGo flights have been cancelled since December 1, severely impacting travel plans nationwide.

“Every day, over 1.5 lakh passengers use Delhi Airport, and nearly 50,000 of them are traders and businessmen,” CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said. He added that the continuous reports of cancellations have significantly reduced the inflow of traders into Delhi, directly affecting business activity.

The disruption has also triggered a steep drop in hotel, restaurant, banquet and resort bookings, with thousands of reservations cancelled, CTI noted. Goyal described the past week as “dreadful for IndiGo” and deeply distressing for tourists and business visitors alike.

Manoj Khandelwal, Director of Manoj Travels, warned that Delhi’s peak tourism season typically lasting until mid-January has already taken a hit, with Christmas and New Year travel bookings showing early signs of decline.

Read more: 'How can airfare jump to ₹39,000?' Delhi HC asks Centre amid IndiGo crisis

The association has urged authorities to restore smooth travel operations and limit the mounting economic fallout across multiple sectors.