December 3, 2025, Hyderabad, India: A widespread technical failure severely disrupted flight operations across major Indian airports today, causing chaos, long delays, and confusion for passengers. The glitch, which affected check-in systems, led to long queues, delayed departures, and in some cases, cancellations, leaving thousands stranded or facing inconvenience.
At the heart of the disruption was Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, where passengers faced severe delays as ground staff struggled to process check-ins manually. The airport, typically known for its smooth operations, saw a significant backlog, with travellers waiting for hours to check in for their flights.
The technical snag was attributed to a malfunction in the automated check-in systems used by various airlines. Although airport authorities acted swiftly to resolve the issue, the delays continued to ripple across several major hubs, including Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.
Flight Operations Impacted by System Failure, Hyderabad Airport Faces Major Backlog
“Check-in systems are down. There’s no information, and we don’t know when our flights will depart,” said, a traveller waiting at the Hyderabad airport. Many others echoed similar frustrations, with airlines working to rebook passengers and ensure those whose flights were canceled or delayed could board later.
“Microsoft Windows reports major service outages globally. IT services/ check in systems at airports are impacted,” passengers at Varanasi airport were informed via a notice.
The notice revealed that at least four carriers: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express. There were no immediate comments from Microsoft or the airlines. Airlines have reportedly resorted to manual check-in and boarding procedures to manage operations.
As the disruption spread, airport authorities across India scrambled to address the issue. Airlines have confirmed that the snag affected both domestic and international flights, with peak travel times exacerbating the situation.
While technical teams were immediately mobilized to resolve the issue, passengers have been advised to check flight status updates on the airlines’ websites or mobile apps. Many airlines have issued official apologies, citing the unprecedented scale of the malfunction.
“We understand the inconvenience caused and are working closely with authorities to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. We are providing alternative arrangements for affected passengers,” said a spokesperson for one of the airlines.
Ongoing Troubles
Despite the efforts to resolve the problem, some flights continued to face delays even later in the day. Passengers were advised to arrive early at airports, as some check-in counters were still processing passengers manually.
The full extent of the disruption remains unclear, but several travelers have expressed concerns about missing connecting flights and crucial business meetings due to the unexpected delay.
The airlines and airport authorities have promised to ensure better communication and quicker resolution for any future tech-related issues.
As of now, normal operations are slowly resuming, but passengers are still advised to stay updated on their flight status to avoid further inconvenience.
