Major airports across India descended into chaos Friday as IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, cancelled numerous flights due to newly enforced rules limiting working hours for pilots and crew.

Passengers faced long queues at customer service counters, slept on airport floors, and struggled with minimal information from the airline. The disruptions mark the fourth consecutive day of operational turmoil for the low-cost carrier, which operates around 2,300 flights daily and holds nearly 65% of India’s domestic aviation market.

The regulations, implemented in two phases since July, mandate longer rest periods and restrict night flying to reduce fatigue and improve safety. IndiGo has struggled to adjust crew schedules, leading to widespread cancellations. On Thursday alone, over 300 flights were grounded, with hundreds more delayed.

Passengers expressed frustration, with senior citizen Sajal Bose saying he would take a nine-hour train ride to reach New Delhi after his flight from Kolkata was cancelled.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers acknowledged disruptions, citing technology issues, schedule changes, weather, congestion, and new regulations. The Civil Aviation Ministry said planning gaps and misjudgment contributed to the problem. IndiGo has requested temporary exemptions and expects operations to be fully restored by Feb. 10, though some cancellations may continue in the coming weeks.

Source: AP