How IndiGo plans to manage disruptions in the coming days
What's the story
IndiGo's parent company, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, has activated its top decision-making body to deal with the aftermath of mass cancellations and delays. The airline has formed a Crisis Management Group (CMG) comprising senior board members and top executives. The CMG is led by Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta and includes Directors Gregg Saretsky, Mike Whitaker, Amitabh Kant, and CEO Pieter Elbers.
Operational impact
Flight disruptions lead to passenger complaints and operational concerns
The recent flight disruptions have resulted in long delays at airports, increased last-minute fares on alternate carriers, and a surge in passenger complaints. The scale of cancellations has also raised questions about operational planning during the peak travel season. IndiGo said the CMG is meeting continuously, coordinating with the management teams, and reviewing measures to restore operational integrity across its network.
Board response
IndiGo's board takes immediate action amid crisis
IndiGo's board of directors met on the first day of the cancellations and delays crisis. The board members were given a "detailed briefing from the Management on the nature and extent of the crisis." This was followed by a closed-door meeting with only board members where they decided to form the CMG. Since then, it has held several internal meetings and calls with other board members to oversee operational recovery.
Regulatory action
DGCA intervenes and issues show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO
As cancellations mounted, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stepped in, directing IndiGo to normalize its schedule at the earliest and uphold all passenger-rights obligations. The regulator sought daily reports on the disruptions and load-adjustment plans for the coming days, while also mandating prompt refunds, meal and hotel assistance wherever the rules applied. It issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers over operational collapse, asking for a response within 24 hours.