IndiGo to Start ₹10,000 Compensation Payouts From Dec 26, 2025: Check if You Are Eligible

IndiGo is set to roll out one of the largest passenger compensation exercises in Indian aviation history. Between December 1 and 9, 2025, it had reported a massive operational breakdown which led to over 4,350 flight cancellations. 

Beginning December 26, the airline will issue ₹10,000 travel vouchers to “severely impacted customers” who were stranded at airports for hours on December 3, 4, and 5. This is in addition to the mandatory ₹5,000–₹10,000 compensation under government norms and a full ticket refund.

How Big Is the Compensation Bill for IndiGo?

The financial impact could be substantial. Of the cancelled flights, 2,507 were outright cancellations during the peak disruption window. Assuming an average of 150 passengers per flight, IndiGo may have to issue vouchers to over 3.8 lakh passengers. This even excludes the number of flyers affected by long delays.

At ₹10,000 per voucher, the total payout could cross ₹376 crore, making this a significant one-time cost for the airline.

Booked via MakeMyTrip or Goibibo? You’re Still Eligible

Passengers who booked tickets through online travel agencies (OTAs) such as MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, EaseMyTrip, or Cleartrip are eligible for the same ₹10,000 voucher, though the process may take longer.

IndiGo has been directed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA to coordinate with OTAs to retrieve passenger data. Once details are verified, IndiGo will issue vouchers directly to customers.

In case of direct bookings, IndiGo will process these first, as passenger details are already available.

Will There Be Any Deductions for Indirect Bookings?

As per news reports, leading OTAs had already initiated refunds even before receiving funds from IndiGo. The DGCA recently held a meeting with OTAs, instructing them to issue full refunds without deductions, as regulators tightened oversight to ensure passengers were not shortchanged. 

News reports from the from the Times of India suggest that MakeMyTrip alone has processed nearly ₹10 crore in refunds.

Who Qualifies for the ₹10,000 Voucher?

You must understand that the ₹10,000 voucher is over and above the DGCA’s mandated compensation of ₹5,000–₹10,000. It also excludes the full refund of the ticket fare. You may be eligible if:

• You were severely impacted on December 3, 4, or 5
• You were stranded at airports for several hours or faced back-to-back cancellations
• Your flight fell within the peak disruption period

What Should Passengers Do Now?

Passengers who booked via OTAs should ensure their email and mobile numbers are updated on the booking platform. While base refunds are already being processed, the ₹10,000 voucher will be issued directly by IndiGo once passenger data is reconciled.

If no communication is received by the end of December, passengers are advised to file a complaint on the Air Seva portal, as the DGCA is closely monitoring the compensation rollout.

Read more: The Real Cost of a Flight Ticket in India: What Are You Actually Paying For?

Conclusion

IndiGo’s ₹10,000 voucher rollout marks an unprecedented response to one of the worst operational crises faced by India’s largest airline. While the compensation bill might potentially weigh on near-term costs, it aims to restore passenger confidence. For affected flyers, the package offers meaningful relief through full refunds, statutory compensation, and additional travel vouchers. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.