Government plans crackdown on IndiGo, may sack CEO: Report
What's the story
The Indian government is reportedly planning a major crackdown on IndiGo Airlines after the carrier mismanaged new pilot rest hour rules. The chaos led to over 1,000 flight cancellations and stranded tens of thousands of passengers nationwide. According to NDTV, which cited sources, the Centre may seek the removal of IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers over these disruptions.
Possible actions
Government considers penalties, flight reductions for IndiGo
The government is also considering imposing heavy financial penalties on IndiGo, which holds a dominant share of nearly two-thirds of India's domestic market. Sources said that the airline's flight allotments across multiple sectors will be "culled." IndiGo will only be allowed to operate as many flights as it can fully staff with a complete crew, amid reports of allegations that the airline has been running an overstretched schedule.
Official meeting
IndiGo officials summoned amid ongoing aviation crisis
IndiGo officials have been summoned to the Civil Aviation Ministry once again, with a meeting scheduled at around 6:00pm. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is also preparing to brief senior officials at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) as the situation escalates and corrective measures are considered.
Leadership change
Centre seeks removal of IndiGo CEO over flight chaos
The Centre is reportedly considering seeking the removal of IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers over massive disruptions. NDTV reported senior officials saying that the government is preparing to impose a heavy, possibly exemplary penalty on IndiGo for the operational meltdown. The airline's flight allotments across multiple sectors will be "culled," and it will only be allowed to operate as many flights as it can fully staff with a complete crew.