The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices to IndiGo’s Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers, and the airline’s accountable manager, COO Isidre Porqueras, on Saturday.
Core Violation
The aviation watchdog has given the airline’s management 24 hours to respond to its show-cause notice, adding that the main reason for the flight disruptions, which resulted in the cancellation of over 2,700 flights since December 1, was due to a lack of proper arrangements to meet the updated requirements for effectively implementing the approved new flight duty time limitations (FDTL) scheme for the airline.
“It has been noticed that the primary cause of said flight disruptions is non- provisioning of adequate arrangements to cater to the revised requirements for smooth implementation of the approved FDTL scheme for the airline,” the DGCA said in a letter to IndiGo. The notice indicates that there were issues with planning, oversight, and resource management, which violated FDTL the rules.
It also states that IndiGo failed to provide passengers with the information and facilities mandated during cancellations, long delays and denied boarding.
Direct Accountability
The regulator directly held the CEO responsible, saying he “failed in his duty” to ensure reliable operations and to provide the facilities passengers are entitled to.
Elbers has been directed to show cause within 24 hours of receipt of the notice as to why appropriate enforcement action should not be initiated against him under the relevant provisions of the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements.
“Failure to submit your reply within the stipulated period shall result in the matter being decided ex-parte,” the regulator said.
IndiGo faces potential regulatory action over flight disruptions stemming from its failure to implement the new FDTL, which began on November 1, 2025.
The DGCA has also constituted a four-member committee to review the factors behind the recent large-scale operational disruptions, which will assess gaps in crew planning, operational preparedness and compliance with revised FDTL norms.
