IndiGo CEO tells staff ‘worst is behind us’, says airline restored 2,200 daily flights

IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers told employees the “worst is behind us” after an unprecedented flight disruptions earlier this month, saying the airline had begun stabilising operations.

In a video message circulated internally, Elbers said IndiGo has restored its network to about 2,200 flights a day after stabilising operations that were severely hit in the first half of December.

“Through the storm, we are finding our wings again. The worst is behind us,” Elbers said, adding that the airline would now focus on strengthening resilience, conducting a full root-cause analysis and rebuilding systems after the crisis.

IndiGo cancelled hundreds of flights between December 1 and December 9 due to crew shortages and planning failures linked to the implementation of new pilot duty time and rest regulations that came into force on November 1.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has since ordered IndiGo to cut its winter flight schedule by 10%. A high-level DGCA probe panel questioned Elbers and IndiGo Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager Isidro Porqueras for several hours on Friday.

Elbers told employees that multiple factors appeared to have compounded the disruptions and urged staff to avoid speculation while a comprehensive investigation was carried out.

“Everyone wants answers. Speculations are circulating, but I encourage everyone - Please stay calm, Focus on your professional responsibilities and avoid engaging in such speculations,” the IndiGo CEO said.

An external aviation expert has been appointed by the board to conduct an independent root-cause analysis, he said, adding that similar disruptions had occurred at other large airlines globally and that lessons would be drawn to strengthen IndiGo’s systems.

InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo’s parent, said on Friday that Chief Aviation Advisors LLC, led by veteran aviation expert Captain John Illson, would carry out an independent assessment of the recent disruptions. The board has also set up a Crisis Management Group to oversee corrective measures.

The DGCA, meanwhile, has dismissed four Flight Operations Inspectors for alleged lapses connected to the IndiGo crisis. The inspectors, deputed from various airlines, are responsible for monitoring airline operations, safety compliance and training standards.

IndiGo is also facing scrutiny by the Competition Commission of India, over whether it violated competition norms during the period of disruptions.

Last week, IndiGo said it expects to pay more than 500 crore in compensation to customers affected by cancellations and severe delays.

The airline said it would compensate passengers whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of departure or who were severely stranded at airports between December 3 and December 5.

IndiGo said it would contact affected customers in January to process compensation smoothly.