Even as services return to normal, the DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo’s CEO and COO, citing major lapses that caused over 2,700 flight cancellations since December 1.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi | December 7, 2025
IndiGo on Sunday announced that it has restored over 95% of its network, operating more than 1,500 flights and reconnecting 135 of its 138 destinations, marking a sharp rebound from the unprecedented six-day operational collapse that crippled India’s largest airline and stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers.
The airline said Saturday’s drastic cut to just over 700 flights was a planned “system reboot” aimed at stabilising crew rosters and ground operations after the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules triggered a cascading pilot shortage from December 1.
“Today we have crossed 1,500 flights and restored 95%+ of our network. While we still have a long way to go, we are committed to regaining the trust of our customers,” IndiGo said, apologising to affected travellers and thanking staff, regulators and the government for their support.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 6, 2025
Regulator Tightens Grip on IndiGo Leadership
Even as operations improve, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has tightened scrutiny of the airline’s top brass. Show-cause notices have been issued to CEO Pieter Elbers and Accountable Manager (COO) Isidro Porqueras, holding them personally liable for “significant lapses in planning, oversight and resource management” that led to more than 2,700 cancellations since December 1.
Both executives have 24 hours to respond, failing which penalties of up to ₹1 crore per violation may be imposed under the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu held a high-level review meeting with Elbers on Saturday and confirmed that punitive action will hinge on findings of a four-member inquiry committee formed to probe the meltdown. The minister has also directed all airlines to submit weekly FDTL compliance reports until further notice.
First, his ministry let it happen. Then it set up a useless control room that was no help to passengers. Next he bowed down to Indigo & let it go back to the old pilot hours formula.
Now he is not making indigo pay compensation to passengers.
What is the point of this man? https://t.co/aggUOdh3ZW— vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) December 6, 2025
Political Attacks and Pilot Unions Counter the Narrative
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram called the episode a “massive failure of IndiGo management, the Civil Aviation Ministry and the DGCA”, accusing the government of allowing nearly two years for airlines to prepare for the new fatigue-prevention rules yet failing to enforce readiness.
Pilot unions pushed back against IndiGo’s explanation, arguing the crisis was triggered not by the revised rules but by the airline’s “chronic under-hiring” despite rapid fleet expansion. Sources within the Indian Commercial Pilots Association said IndiGo needed 900–1,000 more pilots to comply smoothly but delayed recruitment to protect short-term profitability.
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Government Relief Measures and Industry Concerns
With operations stabilising, the Ministry has retained the emergency fare caps (₹7,500–₹18,000 across economy routes) until December 15, and extended deadlines for full refunds and free rebooking until 8 pm Monday.
Indian Railways, which ran 89 special trains over the weekend to evacuate stranded passengers, said most services will be discontinued from Monday evening.
Aviation experts warn that the meltdown has exposed the fragility of India’s aviation ecosystem, where a single carrier commands over 60% of domestic traffic. Calls are growing for faster approval of new airlines, improved staffing norms and tighter oversight of mergers to prevent monopolistic disruptions.
IndiGo officials said full normalcy is expected between December 12–15, adding that the airline has accelerated the hiring of 200 pilots and is leasing additional aircraft with crew to plug gaps during the peak winter season.
