The ongoing operational disruptions at IndiGo have begun to severely impact Odisha’s tourism sector, with the pilgrim and beach destination of Puri witnessing a surge in hotel booking cancellations. The situation is raising concerns across the hospitality and travel industry at the peak of the tourist season.
Tourism Hit as Travellers Fail to Reach Puri
Over the past five days, hotels in the holy town have reported a noticeable rise in last-minute cancellations. Industry estimates suggest that nearly 10% of reservations have been cancelled after travellers were unable to reach Odisha due to widespread flight delays and suspensions across India.
Hotel operators say that December—typically marked by steady tourist inflow—is now facing an unexpected slowdown.
Biraja Dhal, General Manager of Hans Coco Palm, said the impact has been immediate and widespread.
“Puri, Odisha, and the entire country have been affected. As hoteliers, we are heavily impacted. We had 37 room bookings, but 8 were cancelled today alone. It’s a sudden blow to the hospitality sector and to travellers dependent on air connectivity,” he said.
Local tourism stakeholders fear that if disruptions continue, occupancy rates may fall sharply, affecting planned revenue for the season.
Livelihood Concerns Grow Across Tourism-Linked Sectors
Business owners warn that prolonged cancellations could impact the broad network of livelihoods connected to Puri’s tourism economy—including small hotels, transport providers, guides, and local vendors.
Jitendra Kumar Mohapatra, Director of Hotel Atithi Heritage, highlighted the interconnected nature of the sector.
“From small hotels to premium stays, and from autorickshaw drivers to taxi operators—everyone’s income is linked. If the IndiGo situation isn’t resolved soon, losses will mount. The situation is similar across the country,” he said.
With December being one of Puri’s busiest months, any drop in arrivals could significantly reduce income for businesses dependent on seasonal tourism.
Passengers Face Uncertainty as DGCA Issues Notice to IndiGo
Across India, passengers have faced six consecutive days of delays and cancellations. More than 800 flights have reportedly been cancelled, creating uncertainty for travellers heading to religious, leisure, and business destinations.
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo’s CEO and Accountability Manager. The regulator has sought an explanation within 24 hours for the airline’s failure to adequately prepare for new duty-time regulations implemented on November 1.
According to the DGCA, gaps in operational planning, crew management, and regulatory readiness contributed to the nationwide service disruptions. The authority has indicated that action may follow if the airline fails to provide a satisfactory response.
Meanwhile, IndiGo has stated that its network operations are stabilizing and that approximately 95% of its services have now been restored.
