IndiGo in Crisis: DGCA Slams Airline for Nationwide Disruptions, Issues Scathing Show Cause Notice

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a stinging show cause notice to IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers over the airline's recent nationwide disruptions. The regulator's notice highlights four major categories of violations that led to the crisis. The primary cause of the meltdown, according to the DGCA, was IndiGo's failure to prepare for revised crew duty rules. The airline was criticized for not arranging sufficient manpower, planning rosters properly, and adjusting operations to meet new staffing requirements. The notice also pointed out significant lapses in IndiGo's internal systems, including operational planning, supervisory control, crew allocation, and resource management. These failures amount to prima facie non-compliance with aviation rules and regulations. Furthermore, the regulator faulted IndiGo for not providing basic care to passengers affected by the disruptions. The airline was found to have not offered mandatory assistance during cancellations and long delays, failed to share timely information, and did not meet obligations toward passengers who were denied boarding. The DGCA has ordered Pieter Elbers to justify why action should not be taken against the airline within 24 hours. If he fails to respond, the regulator will proceed ex parte. The disruptions, which began last week, have affected airports across the country, with hundreds of cancellations, long queues, and stranded passengers. IndiGo has apologized for the inconvenience and claimed that operations are stabilizing, with the airline expecting to operate over 1,500 flights by the end of the day. The DGCA's notice is a sharp rebuke to IndiGo's handling of the crisis and highlights the need for the airline to improve its internal systems and passenger care.