Cancellations, steep prices and zero support, leave domestic & international tourists in distress.
Dr. Dinesh
Passengers bound for Srivijayapuram on 6th December found their travel plans thrown into disarray when an IndiGo flight from Dimapur to Guwahati, connecting onward to Kolkata, was abruptly cancelled. The sudden disruption derailed carefully planned itineraries, especially for families and tourists returning after the Hornbill Festival.
At Dimapur airport, the ground staff remained calm, cordial and composed, offering what reassurance they could under the circumstances. However, no accommodation or meal assistance was provided, leaving many passengers to fend for themselves. The airline arranged an alternate direct flight to Kolkata on 8th December, but the cancelled Dimapur–Guwahati–Kolkata sector for 6th December is yet to be refunded, leaving travellers uncertain about the reimbursement process.
The crisis was worsened by a steep surge in fares on other airlines. Tickets from Dimapur to Kolkata shot up to an astonishing ₹37,000, making air travel prohibitively expensive for many. Train travel offered little relief, with seats either fully booked or available only on RAC or waitlist, insufficient for families travelling together. As a result, many were left stranded without feasible travel options.
Tourists from across India, and several international visitors who had come to experience the Hornbill Festival, reported an unexpectedly harsh end to their journey. With hotels and homestays fully booked and no emergency accommodation from airlines, many struggled to secure a place to stay.
The episode underscores a pressing concern, in times of disruption, airlines must not exploit demand spikes. Transparent communication, fair compensation and responsible pricing are essential to restore confidence among travellers who already face enough uncertainty on the road.
Several passengers, including this writer, are still awaiting clarity on the reimbursement process, prompting questions on adherence to passenger rights and airline obligations under flight cancellation norms.
* Author is a freelance Journalist & Dental Surgeon