IndiGo Crisis Sparks DGCA Shake-Up: Top Officer Relieved of Key Role
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In a move that raises questions about the handling of the recent IndiGo crisis, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has removed Ravinder Singh Jamwal from his role as director of operations (FSD), the division responsible for enforcing pilot fatigue rules. This decision comes just days after the government granted IndiGo exemptions from stricter crew fatigue rules, which led to over 5,000 flight cancellations and stranded thousands of passengers. Jamwal was at the helm of the FSD when the exemptions were granted, sparking concerns about the safety of air travel. He will continue to serve as the director of Airspace and Air Navigation Services, according to an order issued on December 23. The reason for his transfer remains unclear. The move follows a confidential report submitted by a four-member inquiry committee into the crisis. The findings of the report have not been disclosed. During the crisis, Jamwal was responsible for overseeing the monitoring of IndiGo's operations and received comprehensive reports from senior officials deployed to major airports. The exemptions granted to IndiGo have been criticized by pilot associations, who warned that they compromised the safety of air travel. The airline had admitted to misjudging its preparation for stricter fatigue rules, which took effect in November after a two-year notice period. The DGCA's decision to remove Jamwal from his role has sparked concerns about the accountability of the aviation regulator and the handling of the recent crisis. An investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the outcome is yet to be determined.
