Silchar Airport: Guwahati-Bound IndiGo Flight Cancelled After Hours of Delay, Passengers Left Stranded

Hundreds of passengers faced hours of uncertainty and frustration at Silchar’s Kumbhirgram Airport on Tuesday (July 28) after an IndiGo flight to Guwahati was cancelled nearly four hours after its scheduled departure, reportedly because a crew member fell ill.

Flight 6E 6413, which had arrived from Kolkata and was scheduled to depart for Guwahati at 3.55 pm, was cancelled after repeated delays. According to passengers, the aircraft reached Silchar on time and boarding was completed, but the flight did not take off. The airline initially informed passengers that one of the four crew members had suddenly become unwell. Later, passengers were also told that clearance from the civil aviation authorities was awaited.

The prolonged delay led to growing anger among the passengers, many of whom had onward connecting flights from Guwahati to other destinations. Several travellers said they missed their connections and important engagements because of the cancellation. Visuals from the airport showed long queues and a large crowd gathered near the IndiGo counter as passengers sought answers from airline staff.

One passenger, while speaking to the media, said the flight remained on the ground for more than four hours after boarding had been completed. He claimed passengers were first informed about a crew member’s illness and later told that operational clearance was pending. During the delay, the airline provided complimentary snacks. However, he alleged that the airline staff did not communicate clearly with passengers and described the overall handling of the situation as unsatisfactory. He said many passengers had important journeys planned and several missed their connecting flights.

According to information available, around 200 to 250 passengers were affected by the cancellation. IndiGo later arranged alternative travel for the stranded passengers. Those with urgent travel requirements were reportedly accommodated on Wednesday morning’s flight, while others were given seats on afternoon or evening services the following day.