New Delhi: Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has stepped down from his role at IndiGo as the airline continues to recover from a major operational crisis that unfolded in December 2025. Despite the turbulence, the carrier still commands nearly 60 percent of India’s domestic aviation market.
Following his resignation, Managing Director Rahul Bhatia will oversee operations until parent company InterGlobe Enterprises appoints a new chief executive.
The crisis stemmed from the airline’s failure to fully comply with revised Flight Duty Time Limitation rules introduced to enhance aviation safety. These regulations restrict the number of hours pilots can fly before mandatory rest periods are required. When the updated norms came into force, IndiGo struggled to adjust its crew scheduling and staffing levels, resulting in widespread disruptions.
Between December 3 and 5, more than 2,500 flights were cancelled and nearly 1,900 were delayed across the country. The sudden disruption left thousands of passengers stranded and severely affected the airline’s operational performance. IndiGo’s on time performance dropped sharply to around 35 percent before falling below 10 percent within two days.
The government responded with strict action, reducing the airline’s winter schedule capacity by 10 percent and imposing financial penalties totalling Rs 22.20 crore. IndiGo was also directed to provide a bank guarantee of Rs 50 crore to ensure compliance with corrective measures.
The disruption was largely attributed to a shortage of pilots after the new rules limited the number of flying hours permitted each day and required longer rest periods. The situation was further complicated by technical issues at several airports and poor weather conditions in New Delhi caused by seasonal smog.
As the crisis intensified, two anonymous letters allegedly written by employees circulated online, blaming management for inadequate planning and operational failures. While their authenticity could not be verified, the messages added to the airline’s challenges during the turmoil.
At the peak of the disruptions, Elbers issued a public apology to passengers, acknowledging that the airline had failed to deliver the level of service customers expected. The operational breakdown also triggered a second wave of complaints, with many passengers demanding refunds instead of travel vouchers offered for cancelled flights.
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