The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took a stern measure and terminated four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) in connection with the recent IndiGo flight cancellation crisis. In an official order dated Dec 11, 2025, India’s aviation regulator said the FOIs, who were all employed on contract basis, are relieved from the DGCA with “immediate effect to join their respective parent organisations”.
The action came on the backdrop of DGCA’s show cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and accountable manager, to explain why cancellation of flights on such a large level happened, impacting the aviation system negatively for a few days. The flight cancellations continued till Thursday, with Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai being the worst hit cities.
Who are the four officials sacked by DGCA?
According to the notice issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, four Flight Operation Inspectors who had been dismissed are Rish Raj Chatterjee, Seema Jhamnani, Anil Kumar Pokhariyal, and Priyam Kaushik.
“Consequent upon approval of the Competent Authority, the following Fols under various categories, on contract basis, in DGCA are hereby relieved from DGCA with immediate effect to join their respective parent organisations:
Rish Raj Chatterjee, Consultant [Dy. CFOI(A)]
Seema Jhamnani, SFOI(A)
Anil Kumar Pokhariyal, Consultant[FOI(A)]
Priyam Kaushik, Consultant[FOI(A)],” the notice read.
After termination, these people have to submit their systems or anything official they possess. Their email ids with domain with the DGCA stands ceased.
Minister chairs key meet
Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday chaired a comprehensive review to assess Airline preparedness for the winter-fog season.
“Chaired a comprehensive review meeting today to assess preparedness for the upcoming fog window of the winter schedule with all key stakeholders including DGCA, AAI, airport operators, airlines and CISF. All stakeholders have been instructed to ensure full compliance, fix accountability and implement strict SOPs for fog operations. To maintain smooth operations, emphasis has to be laid on real-time data exchange, activation of war rooms and deployment of CAT-II/III compliant aircraft with qualified crew,” he said in a post on X.
“Clear directions have been issued to ensure safe, seamless and well-coordinated operations, along with timely communication of updates to passengers to help them prepare well in advance. Each and every passenger is important and any instance of inconvenience will be addressed with clear accountability,” the Minister added.
