Imagine this: you’re at the airport, boarding pass in hand, ready to fly. Then—boom—an announcement: your IndiGo flight is canceled. No warning. No clear rebooking plan. Just chaos. If you were one of the thousands stranded between **December 3 and December 5, 2025**, you’re not alone.
In response to what many are calling one of the worst operational meltdowns in recent Indian aviation history, IndiGo has rolled out a **‘Gesture of Care’** initiative, offering affected passengers a travel voucher worth **₹10,000** . But here’s the real question: how do you actually claim this IndiGo compensation, and does it truly make up for the missed meetings, weddings, or family moments?
Table of Contents
- What Was the IndiGo Disruption All About?
- IndiGo Compensation: Who Qualifies?
- How to Claim Your IndiGo Travel Voucher: Step-by-Step
- What the Voucher Covers (And Its Fine Print)
- Is ₹10,000 Enough? Expert Takes on Fair Compensation
- Your Legal Rights as an Indian Air Passenger
- Summary: What to Do Next If You Were Affected
- Sources
What Was the IndiGo Disruption All About?
From December 3–5, 2025, IndiGo faced a perfect storm: a combination of **unseasonal fog**, **air traffic control delays**, and **internal crew scheduling issues** led to the cancellation or severe delay of over **300 flights** across India . Passengers were left stranded for hours—some for over 24 hours—with minimal communication or support.
Social media erupted with stories of frustration: families sleeping on airport floors, business travelers missing critical deals, and elderly passengers left without assistance. The backlash was swift and severe, forcing IndiGo to issue a public apology and announce its **₹10,000 travel voucher** as a goodwill measure .
IndiGo Compensation: Who Qualifies?
Not everyone who flew with IndiGo during that period is eligible. The airline has set specific criteria:
- Your flight must have been **operated by IndiGo** (not a codeshare).
- Your flight must have been **canceled or delayed by more than 6 hours** between **December 3 and December 5, 2025**.
- You must **not have been rebooked on a suitable alternative flight within 24 hours**.
If you meet these conditions, you’re in line for the IndiGo compensation voucher .
How to Claim Your IndiGo Travel Voucher: Step-by-Step
Claiming your voucher isn’t automatic—it requires action. Here’s exactly what to do:
- Visit the official IndiGo compensation portal: Go to
https://www.goindigo.inand look for the “Customer Care” or “Service Recovery” section. - Fill out the claim form: You’ll need your **PNR (Booking Reference)**, **date of travel**, and a brief description of your disruption.
- Upload supporting documents: Screenshots of your canceled flight notification or airport delay boards can help.
- Submit and wait: IndiGo says processing takes **5–7 working days**. You’ll receive the voucher via email with a unique 12-digit code.
Pro Tip: If you don’t hear back within a week, **call IndiGo’s customer care at 1860 500 6060** or tweet at @IndiGo6E—they’re often more responsive on social media .
What the Voucher Covers (And Its Fine Print)
The ₹10,000 voucher sounds generous—but read the fine print:
- ✅ **Valid for 12 months** from the date of issue.
- ✅ Can be used for **flight bookings, excess baggage, seat selection, or meals** on IndiGo.
- ❌ **Not redeemable for cash**.
- ❌ **Cannot be combined** with other promotional vouchers.
- ❌ **Expires if unused**—no extensions.
Essentially, this is a way to keep you loyal to IndiGo—not a true cash compensation .
Is ₹10,000 Enough? Expert Takes on Fair Compensation
Aviation experts are divided. “For a 12-hour delay that causes a passenger to miss an international connection, ₹10,000 is symbolic, not sufficient,” says **Rahul Kapoor**, an aviation analyst .
Compare this to **EU Regulation 261/2004**, where passengers on canceled flights can claim up to **€600** (roughly ₹55,000) in cash compensation . India has no such law—yet.
Still, for domestic travelers who were only delayed a few hours, the voucher might feel like a fair **gesture of goodwill**. But for those who lost significant time or money? It falls short.
Your Legal Rights as an Indian Air Passenger
India’s **Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)** has clear guidelines on passenger compensation :
- **Delays over 2 hours:** Free meals and refreshments.
- **Delays over 6 hours:** Hotel accommodation and transportation.
- **Cancellations:** Full refund or alternative flight.
However, **monetary compensation for inconvenience is not mandated**—which is why IndiGo’s voucher is *voluntary*. For more on your rights, check our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:indian-passenger-airline-rights].
Summary: What to Do Next If You Were Affected
If you were impacted by the **December 2025 IndiGo disruptions**, don’t wait—**claim your ₹10,000 voucher** now. While it may not cover all your losses, it’s a tangible acknowledgment of the airline’s failure. More importantly, your claim adds to the collective pressure for stronger passenger protections in India. Because next time, you shouldn’t have to rely on a “gesture”—your rights should be guaranteed.