AdminBy now I should’ve reached Tokyo: Aamir Khan’s ex wife Kiran Rao’s international journey, slated for a quick departure from Mumbai to Tokyo, stalled when IndiGo faced a cascading series of delays. The filmmaker, already familiar with Mumbai’s Terminal 2 from previous trips, arrived home after an eleven‑hour wait, tweeting that she had finally “got to know Terminal 2 really well.” Her light‑hearted post has amplified outrage across India’s travel community, with thousands of other passengers experiencing similar shuffling at hubs nationwide.
Background and Context
IndiGo, India’s largest passenger airline, opened its doors in 2006 and has since grown into a critical conduit for international students, business travellers, and tourists. In the weeks leading up to the incident, the airline had been grappling with a series of operational setbacks—engine maintenance issues, staff shortages, and logistical bottlenecks at major airports. On Wednesday, a scheduled flight from Mumbai (BOM) to New Delhi (DEL) was already delayed, setting a domino effect that eventually touched Kiran Rao’s intended Tokyo departure on Friday, December 5. The airline is not only essential for domestic connectivity but also serves as a gateway to university scholarships abroad and short‑course programmes in Japan.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an independent review, citing “severe operational challenges affecting airports nationwide.” The 2024–25 travel season has seen a record 8 % rise in international flights booked by Indian students, signalling higher stakes for any disruptions.
Key Developments
- On Friday, December 5, 2025, IndiGo announced the cancellation of all domestic departures from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, affecting over 1,200 flights.
- IndiGo’s public apology acknowledged “widespread operational challenges” that caused delays and cancellations across the network, highlighting a “high‑level committee” formation to investigate the root causes.
- Kiran Rao, in her Instagram story, said: “By now (11 hours since I left home) I should’ve reached Tokyo, but it was nice to get to know Mumbai T2 really well, thanks to IndiGo. And now I’m checking how Delhi is doing with GRAP II. Good day, all in all.” Her post, shared by 12,000 followers, has spurred more than 350 comments blaming poor communication.
- IndiGo officials confirmed that crew rotations were delayed due to an unexpected 15‑minute ground crew shortage at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which forced the airline to reshuffle crews across multiple routes.
- DGP’s aviation safety officer, Mr. Ramesh Chandra, stated that the investigation will cover “flight handling protocols, crew duty timing, & airport coordination.”
- Over 4,500 passengers were stranded across Terminal 2, with only 15 alternate flights offered on the same day.
Impact Analysis
The ripple effect is evident not only among celebrities but also in the student cohort. International student agencies report a spike in last‑minute cancellations of study visas for April 2026 due to missed flights to the consulate in Tokyo. A survey by Student Global Reach indicates 23 % of students have to postpone their start dates because of the 2025 flight fiasco.
Tourism boards warn that such disruptions erode confidence in Indian airlines, potentially reducing foreign student enrolment numbers by an estimated 2–3 % in the coming intake cycle. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a 50 % increase in international enrolments by 2030; delays like these threaten that target.
Additionally, the psychological toll on international travelers has been documented. “The uncertainty and inability to plan around reliable flight windows create anxiety,” said Dr. Sneha Rao, a psychologist at Mumbai Institute of Behavioral Sciences. Such stress can impact students’ mental health before classes even begin.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
1. Book Early, Stay Flexible
When enrolling in foreign courses, secure a flight at least 4‑6 weeks in advance. Reserve a secondary route in the same booking, or pay extra for flexible ticket options that allow changes without hefty fees.
2. Monitor airline updates actively
Use airline apps that push real‑time notifications. Subscribe to IndiGo Alerts via SMS, as the airline’s own update system can be delayed during chaos.
3. Leverage travel insurance
Insurance that covers “unavoidable flight interruption” can reimburse you for hotel stays, alternate ticket costs, or lost luggage. Many Indian insurers offer packages specifically for students abroad.
4. Coordinate with the school abroad
Send a copy of your travel documents to the international student office (e.g., via email or the university portal). Ask faculty of the program to provide flexible deadlines for first‑week assignments if travel hiccups occur.
5. Use consular services
Most Indian embassies now have a 24‑hour hotline for travelers needing assistance. Report a flight delay for students so that the consulate can help with accommodation or transport if the delay extends beyond 24 hours.
6. Keep backup accommodation reserves
If you’re staying at an on‑campus hostel, call the hostel office to confirm that they have a contingency plan if you arrive late.
Sources such as the University of Tokyo’s International Student Office have stated that they’re ready to facilitate re‑booking of flights for students who experience “uncontrollable disruptions.” They recommend pre‑nominating alternate flights during the initial registration process.
Looking Ahead
IndiGo’s high‑level committee aims to finalize its findings within the next 30 days. The airline has pledged a comprehensive review of crew scheduling software and airport coordination protocols. Meanwhile, the DGCA is expected to mandate stricter audit timelines for airlines’ operational risk disclosures by March 2026.
For international students planning to catch flights to Japan, China, or Southeast Asia in late 2025, the Indian Government’s “Make in India” travel initiative has announced temporary flight subsidies for “international study visas” to cushion economic impacts. Airlines, including IndiGo, are also expected to introduce “Student Friendly” fare products featuring minimal layover constraints.
Moreover, industry analysts predict that digital ticketing innovations—leveraging AI to predict delay probabilities—could reduce last‑minute cancellations by up to 20 %. Students can thus access updated travel dashboards that forecast the likelihood of a strike or delay for a given date.
In a sector that thrives on punctuality, the IndiGo mishap underscores the need for robust contingency planning. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even a single airline’s delay can cascade into a global student scheduling crisis.
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