DGCA has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers over mass flight cancellations and delays, citing lapses in planning and compliance with new duty-time rules. Elbers must respond within 24 hours. The crisis has disrupted thousands of passengers, testing IndiGo’s leadership amid its international growth ambitions.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, citing large-scale flight disruptions across the country. Elbers, who has led IndiGo for three years and is credited with driving its international expansion, now faces scrutiny over alleged lapses in operational planning and resource management.
Key Highlights
-
Operational disruptions: Thousands of passengers were stranded due to widespread cancellations and delays in recent days.
-
Regulatory action: DGCA stated that IndiGo failed to make adequate arrangements under the newly implemented Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) scheme, leading to scheduling chaos.
-
24-hour deadline: Elbers has been asked to respond within 24 hours, explaining why enforcement action should not be taken against him.
-
Passenger impact: The regulator noted severe inconvenience and distress caused to travelers, emphasizing accountability at the highest level.
-
IndiGo’s response: The airline has assured passengers that operations are stabilizing, with cancellations reducing and connectivity being restored.
This development marks a critical test for Elbers, whose tenure has been defined by IndiGo’s global ambitions but is now challenged by domestic operational crises.
Sources: Rediff News, Mint, The Hindu