IndiGo Crisis: After Massive Flight Disruptions, DGCA Tightens Scrutiny; CEO Summoned for Two Consecutive Days

National Desk: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is currently grappling with a severe operational crisis, prompting the aviation regulator — the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) — to place the carrier under strict surveillance. In connection with the ongoing disruptions, the DGCA has summoned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers for questioning on two consecutive days.

Since December 2, IndiGo has been forced to cancel over 4,000 flights, causing immense inconvenience to passengers and severely impacting travel plans across the country.

IndiGo CEO Appears Before DGCA for Two Days Straight

Given the seriousness of the situation, the DGCA has taken a tough stance. According to sources, CEO Pieter Elbers was asked to appear before a four-member high-level DGCA committee on Thursday and Friday, marking two consecutive days of inquiry.

Earlier, Elbers and other senior IndiGo officials had submitted a detailed report to the DGCA regarding the airline’s operations and recruitment processes. The regulator is now closely examining IndiGo’s internal functioning.

Aviation Minister Calls It ‘Serious Mismanagement’

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu directly blamed IndiGo for the crisis while speaking at the Agenda Aaj Tak event. He described the situation as a result of “serious mismanagement” within the airline.

Although IndiGo’s operations reportedly normalized by Wednesday, with fewer flight cancellations, the minister said concerns about the airline’s functioning persist. Passenger trust, he added, has been significantly shaken.

Minister: ‘This Crisis Could Have Been Avoided’

The minister stressed that the crisis was not entirely unforeseen and could have been prevented. Referring to a viral picture of CEO Pieter Elbers apologizing, he said Elbers was expressing remorse not only to him but to the entire country.

DGCA Probe: Key Areas Under Examination

The four-member DGCA panel formed last week is investigating several operational aspects, including:

• Crew Rostering: How duty schedules for staff are assigned
• Manpower Planning: Management of workforce strength
• Regulatory Compliance: Whether IndiGo adhered to the new pilot duty and rest norms implemented from November 1

A Crisis That Raises Big Questions for Indian Aviation

IndiGo’s extensive operational failures have raised serious questions about manpower management, scheduling, and compliance in the aviation sector. The regulator appears prepared to take tougher measures to ensure such a disruption does not recur.