(BAKU, AZERBAIJAN) — IndiGo just extended cancellations on its India–Caucasus and Central Asia flying through February 11, 2026, and that matters if you were counting on a nonstop to Baku or Tbilisi. If you’re still traveling, your best move now is to rebook on a one-stop option via the Gulf or take the full refund.
I’ve flown IndiGo enough to know the onboard product is rarely the deciding factor on a six-hour sector. Price, schedule, and reliability usually are. This week, reliability is the story.
IndiGo’s A320neo network to places like Baku (Azerbaijan) and Tbilisi (Georgia) is smart and convenient when it runs. When geopolitics force reroutes, though, the airline’s narrowbody range limits show up fast.
Below is a practical “review” of what you can expect from IndiGo on these longer international routes—plus how the current cancellation wave is playing out for passengers, and what to do next.
Quick verdict: Worth it when it’s nonstop — but have a backup plan
If IndiGo is operating normally, these routes can be excellent value. You get a nonstop from India to secondary markets that often cost more, or take longer, on full-service carriers.
Right now, the experience is defined by disruption handling. IndiGo is offering fee-free changes and full refunds, and that’s the minimum you should demand. The bigger issue is getting to your destination without burning an extra vacation day.
What’s happening: cancellation extension (and why you should care)
IndiGo extended cancellations of all flights to and from Baku, Tbilisi, Almaty, and Tashkent through February 11, 2026. The airline announced the extension on January 27, 2026, via a travel advisory and a post on X.
Initial cancellations began as tensions around Iran escalated. These routes often overfly Iranian airspace in normal conditions.
If you had a trip planned in the next two weeks, assume you will not be flying IndiGo nonstop to these four cities. Start shopping alternates now, because last-minute seats via major hubs can spike.
⚠️ Heads Up: If your itinerary includes Baku or Tbilisi before Feb. 11, lock in an alternate routing now. Don’t wait for day-of airport rebooking.
Why IndiGo is canceling these flights
The key detail is geography. Flights from India to the Caucasus and parts of Central Asia commonly cross Iranian airspace.
IndiGo is avoiding that airspace amid Iran–U.S. tensions and concerns about a potential military conflict. That’s a risk call, and airlines tend to be conservative here.
There’s also a fleet reality. IndiGo typically flies these sectors with the Airbus A320neo. In normal routings, flight times are often around 6–7 hours. Detours can add time and fuel burn, and narrowbodies can run out of comfortable margin fast.
On paper, an airline can “just reroute.” In practice, an A320neo on a long stage length has less flexibility than a widebody or longer-range narrowbody.
Timeline: how the disruption expanded
- Jan. 25, 2026: Initial cancellations included Delhi–Tbilisi and Mumbai–Almaty, including outbound and return legs.
- Jan. 26–28, 2026: The scope expanded to all flights to and from the four affected cities.
- Through Feb. 11, 2026: Cancellations are extended, and the airline says operations are under continuous review.
Affected routes at a glance
| City | Country | IndiGo status until |
|---|---|---|
| Baku | Azerbaijan | Cancelled through Feb. 11, 2026 |
| Tbilisi | Georgia | Cancelled through Feb. 11, 2026 |
| Almaty | Kazakhstan | Cancelled through Feb. 11, 2026 |
| Tashkent | Uzbekistan | Cancelled through Feb. 11, 2026 |
The “product review” part: what IndiGo is like on 6–7 hour international flights
If and when these routes return, the onboard experience is predictable. IndiGo is a low-cost carrier, and it feels like one. That’s not a knock. It’s just a planning note.
Seat and comfort (A320neo)
Most of these flights are scheduled on Airbus A320neo aircraft in an all-economy layout.
What you should expect on a typical IndiGo A320neo:
- Seat pitch: commonly around 30 inches in standard economy.
- Seat width: roughly 18 inches on an A320-family economy seat.
- Recline: limited, and it matters on a 6+ hour sector.
- Cabin feel: modern enough, but still dense seating.
For comfort, IndiGo’s biggest strength is that its cabins are usually clean and well-run. The biggest weakness is simple physics. A narrowbody economy seat feels tight by hour five.
If you’re tall, prioritize an exit row or bulkhead when available. If you’re traveling as a couple, aim for two seats together and avoid the last few rows.
Power outlets and charging
This varies by aircraft and cabin refresh. On many IndiGo jets, charging can be limited compared with full-service competitors.
- Charge fully before boarding.
- Bring a power bank that meets airline rules.
- Download maps and offline content in advance.
If you’re a remote worker or digital nomad heading to Tbilisi for a month, this matters. A dead laptop on arrival is a bad start.
Food and service
IndiGo is buy-on-board on many routes, including longer international flying. Service is usually brisk and professional.
What that means in practice:
- You may pay for meals, snacks, and drinks unless your fare bundle includes them.
- Pre-ordering can help, because popular items sell out.
- If you have dietary needs, bring a backup snack.
Crew service is generally efficient, and IndiGo tends to keep cabin flow moving. On long flights, though, you’ll feel the low-cost pacing. It’s functional, not leisurely.
Entertainment
IndiGo generally does not offer seatback screens on A320neo flights. That’s normal for an LCC.
- No seatback IFE.
- Your phone or tablet is your entertainment plan.
- Bring wired headphones if you prefer them, plus an adapter if needed.
For a six- to seven-hour flight, entertainment planning is the difference between “fine” and “never again.”
Amenities and extras
IndiGo does not position itself as an amenities carrier.
- No free pillows and blankets in standard economy.
- No amenity kits.
- Limited extra touches unless you pay for a bundle.
If you’re connecting from the UAE, and you’re used to Emirates or Etihad in economy, IndiGo will feel stripped down. You’re trading frills for a nonstop and a lower fare.
Irregular operations “review”: how IndiGo is handling the cancellations
This is where the real consumer value is right now.
IndiGo says affected passengers are being notified via SMS, email, or the app. The airline is offering:
- Full refunds, or
- Rescheduling without fees, processed through IndiGo’s website.
India’s DGCA refund rules also matter here. IndiGo states that 95% of refunds are processed within 7 days, per DGCA mandates.
If you booked through a travel agent, there are waiver codes available for package changes. That can be a lifesaver if you booked hotels or tours as part of a bundle.
The practical takeaway: IndiGo is doing the basics correctly. You should still act quickly, because replacement flights via hubs can sell out.
Safety and regulatory coordination
India’s DGCA and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security are coordinating with carriers on safety compliance.
That’s not just bureaucracy. It’s the framework airlines use to justify reroutes, cancellations, and crew risk decisions.
IndiGo says operations remain under review, and further changes will be communicated promptly. There’s no promised end date beyond the current Feb. 11 window.
Competitive context: how to get to Baku or Tbilisi while IndiGo is offline
When IndiGo cancels a nonstop, most travelers end up connecting. From India, that often means routing via Gulf hubs.
Your alternatives tend to fall into three buckets:
| Option | What you gain | What you give up |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf hub connections (common from India and UAE) | More frequencies, easier rebooking, bigger aircraft on some legs | Longer travel time, possible overnight |
| Full-service carriers via major hubs | Better comfort and baggage inclusions | Higher last-minute fares |
| Wait for IndiGo to resume | Cheapest nonstop potential | Uncertain restart timing |
If you’re starting in the UAE, you’re in a stronger position than many India-origin travelers. You often have more daily choices to the Caucasus region, and more same-day rebooking options.
Miles and points: what this means for frequent flyers
IndiGo is not where most travelers build a giant mileage balance. It’s a cash-value, schedule-first airline for many flyers.
- If you booked on a credit card with strong travel protections, you may have coverage for delay or cancellation expenses. That can beat any airline voucher.
- If your alternate flight is on a full-service carrier, consider whether paying more earns meaningful miles toward status.
- If you’re booking via bank points portals, compare the portal price to cash direct. Portal changes during disruptions can be painful.
Also, if you were counting these flights toward any annual travel target, cancellations can throw off your plans. That’s especially true early in the year.
Booking advice for the next two weeks
If you’re holding an IndiGo ticket to Baku or Tbilisi before Feb. 11, treat it as canceled even if your app hasn’t updated yet.
- Price out alternate routings now, while seats exist.
- Decide if arrival time or cost matters more for this trip.
- Take the refund if the replacement itinerary is materially worse.
- Rebook yourself, rather than waiting for airport chaos.
Who should book this?
Book IndiGo on these routes when operations normalize if:
- You value a nonstop from India over onboard extras.
- You’re price-sensitive and can bring your own entertainment and snacks.
- You’re fine with a no-frills A320neo experience for 6–7 hours.
Skip IndiGo, or only book with a strong backup plan, if:
- You need guaranteed arrival for a wedding, tour, or business meeting.
- You want included meals, consistent power, and more space.
- You can’t risk a last-minute cancellation due to airspace issues.
For travel through Feb. 11, 2026, build an itinerary that avoids these suspended nonstops altogether, even if it costs more. If IndiGo restarts earlier than expected, you can always reprice and switch back to the nonstop.
Indigo Extends Cancellations to Baku (azerbaijan) and Tbilisi (georgia) Until Feb 11
IndiGo has extended flight cancellations to Baku, Tbilisi, Almaty, and Tashkent until February 11, 2026, citing geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions. The airline is offering full refunds and fee-free rescheduling. Travelers are urged to rebook through Gulf hubs to avoid travel delays. While the airline provides a functional no-frills service, current regional instability makes alternative routing a safer bet for those with fixed schedules.
