IndiGo's CEO Faces Scrutiny Amid Ongoing Flight Chaos: What’s Next?

IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers is facing a show-cause notice from the DGCA due to significant flight disruptions affecting travelers across India. The regulator has demanded an explanation for the airline's operational failures, which have led to widespread cancellations and delays. Elbers has acknowledged the challenges and anticipates a return to normal operations by mid-December. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Ministry is investigating the situation and has imposed a cap on domestic airfares to manage rising ticket prices. What will be the next steps for IndiGo and its management?

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 7, 2025, 10:27 IST

IndiGo's Management Under Fire

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken a firm stance against IndiGo's leadership, issuing a show-cause notice to CEO Pieter Elbers due to ongoing flight cancellations and delays. The low-cost airline has faced significant operational challenges, leading to further flight cancellations over the weekend.

The aviation authority has requested a response from Elbers within 24 hours, explaining why enforcement actions should not be pursued against him following widespread disruptions affecting air travel nationwide.

The airline's non-compliance relates to regulations under Section 42A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and Civil Aviation Requirements concerning pilot fatigue management.

The DGCA's notice stated, "Such extensive operational failures suggest serious deficiencies in planning, oversight, and resource management, indicating prima facie non-compliance by the airline."

The notice further emphasized that as CEO, Elbers is accountable for ensuring effective airline management, yet he has not fulfilled his responsibilities to guarantee reliable operations and adequate facilities for passengers.

The DGCA highlighted the "massive disruptions" in IndiGo's flight schedule, which have caused significant inconvenience and distress to travelers. It pointed out that the operational collapse reflects major lapses in planning and resource management.

In a video message released on Friday, Elbers acknowledged the challenges posed by the scale and complexity of their operations, indicating that a return to normalcy is anticipated between December 10 and 15.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, in a conversation with media representatives, stated that measures are being put in place to mitigate further issues for passengers amid the ongoing crisis of cancellations and delays affecting IndiGo.

He assured that any necessary strict actions against the airline would follow a thorough investigation.

"We are conducting a comprehensive investigation into IndiGo. We will take all necessary steps with utmost caution. The Ministry has also established a four-member team for this purpose," the minister remarked.

To address the sudden spike in ticket prices following the disruptions, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has imposed a nationwide cap on domestic airfares, which ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs 18,000 based on the route length.