IndiGo’s Senior Expat Official Under Investigation Amid Operational Meltdown and Regulatory Action Imminent

Published on December 16, 2025

IndiGo Under Scrutiny: DGCA Takes Action Amid Operational Turmoil and Airline Challenges

In the wake of significant operational disruptions, IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is now under the microscope of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aviation authority has deployed a team of eight flight operations inspectors (FOIs) to monitor the airline’s operations until the situation stabilizes. Early findings have revealed a number of weaknesses within the airline’s systems, leading to regulatory concerns, particularly involving top expatriate management at IndiGo. Sources indicate that further regulatory action is likely to follow, affecting some senior members of the airline’s leadership.

Weaknesses in the Operations Control Centre (OCC)

One of the critical areas under investigation is IndiGo’s Operations Control Centre (OCC), which has been described as a weak link in the airline’s operational chain. According to industry insiders, the ongoing crisis has forced IndiGo to adapt its operations, including issuing two-day rosters for pilots. This means pilots only receive their flight schedules for the next two days, with no longer-term planning available. The two-day roster system will remain in place until the OCC is fully operational once again.

The operational challenges have been exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, with reduced visibility at several major airports in North India, including Delhi, Amritsar, and Lucknow, which frequently experience fog. Pilots trained for low-visibility conditions are now required to be specifically scheduled for early morning and late-night flights to manage these conditions. The situation remains precarious, and sources have noted that the airline is struggling not just with staffing, but with finding pilots who are appropriately trained to operate under these challenging weather conditions.

DGCA Takes Firm Action, Dismissing Four Officials

The DGCA has also moved decisively by terminating four flight operations inspectors who were seen as failing to prevent the operational disaster that has plagued IndiGo in recent weeks. This decision has led to tensions within the DGCA, with some colleagues of the dismissed officials expressing frustration at what they perceive as scapegoating. “Several FOIs feel that they have been unfairly blamed for the crisis, and some are even considering resigning from their positions,” sources within the DGCA told the Times of India.

As DGCA works to navigate the ongoing crisis, the impact of reduced visibility across northern India has added further complexity. With fog and low visibility disrupting airport operations, it has been suggested that airlines, including IndiGo, may have to consider canceling flights earlier in the day, allowing passengers to be informed in advance, rather than dealing with last-minute disruptions.

Hindon Airport and Flight Capacity Cuts

As winter weather continues to impact flight operations in North India, Hindon Airport has been one of the hardest hit. The airport, which was recently converted for civil operations, has significantly reduced its flight schedule. Previously handling 25 arrivals and 25 departures during the summer, the winter schedule has been slashed by half, with only 12 arrivals and 12 departures now allowed.

These cuts are largely due to restrictions on commercial flights at Hindon, such as the limitation of operations to daylight hours and the availability of just two parking bays. The reduced visibility in recent weeks has further constrained the airport’s operations, leading to the cancellation of two IndiGo flights. According to an airport official, the current conditions have made the operational window even tighter, requiring better management of resources to ensure safety and efficiency.

The Impact on Other Airlines: Air India and Akasa Air

In the midst of IndiGo’s operational crisis, competitors such as Air India and Akasa Air are closely monitoring the situation. Air India has already ramped up its operations, while Akasa Air, a younger airline, has raised concerns about how long IndiGo’s capacity cuts will persist. Akasa, which is preparing to expand its fleet with a 31st aircraft in mid-January, is seeking clarification from the government regarding IndiGo’s flight cuts, as it plans to adjust its own flight schedule in response to the reduced capacity in the Indian aviation market.

Air India, meanwhile, is offering to operate an additional 275 flights this month to help fill the gap left by IndiGo’s cutbacks. However, experts have pointed out that this extra capacity from Air India and Akasa may only serve as a temporary solution. With both airlines almost fully deployed, the industry consensus is that the swift recovery of IndiGo’s operations is crucial to meet growing demand for air travel in India.

What Lies Ahead for IndiGo?

The DGCA is expected to finalize its decisions regarding the duration and extent of IndiGo’s flight reductions in the coming days. An official said that while other airlines like Air India and Akasa are already operating at near full capacity, the best solution would be to have IndiGo return to full operational strength as soon as possible.

For now, the airline faces significant challenges ahead. If IndiGo is to restore its reputation and regain the trust of its passengers, it will need to overhaul its operations, fix the weaknesses within its control centre, and ensure that it has enough qualified pilots trained for adverse weather conditions. With ongoing scrutiny from the DGCA and heightened competition in the domestic market, the pressure is on for the airline to recover swiftly.

As the situation continues to evolve, passengers are urged to stay informed and be prepared for potential disruptions in their travel plans. While the immediate future remains uncertain, the hope is that IndiGo can soon stabilize its operations and return to normal, bringing much-needed relief to passengers and the Indian aviation industry as a whole.