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Regulator Stations Officials at Airline HQ for Daily Oversight

New Delhi: In an unprecedented move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday began on-site monitoring of IndiGo’s operations, refunds, and passenger-service processes from the airline’s Gurugram headquarters, sources said.
The officials deployed at the HQ are expected to submit daily reports on the airline’s functioning as IndiGo continues to deal with widespread operational disruptions linked to planning failures around new pilot and crew duty norms.

IndiGo CEO Summoned; Oversight Panel Activated

On Wednesday, the DGCA announced it would station two members of its oversight panel at IndiGo’s corporate office to track:

• Flight cancellations

• Crew deployment

• Unplanned leave patterns

• Routes impacted by staff shortages

The regulator also summoned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers to appear at its office at 3 pm on Thursday, seeking a complete report, along with comprehensive data and updates, on the large-scale cancellations affecting thousands of passengers nationwide.

Officers Tasked With Monitoring Cancellations, Refunds, Compensation

According to the DGCA’s order, a senior statistics officer and a deputy director will be based at IndiGo’s headquarters to monitor:

• Domestic and international cancellations

• Refunds and on-time performance

• Passenger compensation as per aviation rules

• Baggage return procedures

The move underscores heightened regulatory concern over IndiGo’s ability to comply with safety and service standards amid the continuing crisis.

DGCA to Inspect 11 Airports; Reports Due Within 24 Hours

Simultaneously, senior DGCA officials will undertake immediate on-site inspections of IndiGo operations across 11 domestic airports.
Each assigned officer will visit their designated airport within 2–3 days and submit a detailed report to the DGCA’s Director of Operations within 24 hours.

Over 4,000 Flights Cancelled Since December 2

IndiGo’s troubles began last week, peaking on December 5, when the airline cancelled a staggering 1,600 flights in a single day — the highest ever. Although IndiGo has claimed that operations have “stabilised,” cancellations have continued. Under the winter schedule for 2025-26, IndiGo, which usually operates over 2,200 flights per day, has already reduced its schedule by 10% following a Civil Aviation Ministry directive issued on December 10.

Impact Felt Nationwide as Passengers Remain Stranded

With more than 4,000 flights cancelled since December 2, tens of thousands of passengers have been stranded, missing vacations, weddings, critical business meetings, and international connections. IndiGo, which commands over 65% of India’s domestic market, has been under intense scrutiny for failing to anticipate workforce requirements amid the implementation of tighter safety regulations.