In a major development linked to the ongoing IndiGo flight cancellation crisis, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has terminated the contracts of four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) with immediate effect. The move comes as part of the regulator’s intensified scrutiny of the airline’s operational lapses that triggered thousands of cancellations nationwide.
According to the order issued on December 11, the relieved officers include Rishi Raj Chatterjee (Deputy Chief FOI), Seema Jhamnani (Senior FOI), Anil Kumar Pokhariyal (Consultant FOI), and Priyam Kaushik (Consultant FOI). The notification stated that the officers are being released to return to their respective parent organisations.
FOIs play a crucial role in monitoring airline safety, pilot training standards, and operational compliance. Their removal marks one of the strongest administrative actions taken in connection with the crisis so far.
DGCA Summons IndiGo’s Top Leadership
Amid continuing disruptions, a four-member DGCA committee has summoned IndiGo COO Isidro Porqueras and CEO Pieter Elbers on Friday. Officials said that the COO and CEO are being questioned separately regarding the airline’s preparedness and handling of the situation.
“The CEO has been called in the afternoon,” an official confirmed.
IndiGo’s Massive Flight Disruptions Under Scanner
Data submitted to the government shows the airline cancelled approximately:
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1,580 flights on December 5,
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4,290 domestic flights and 64 international flights between December 1–9.
On December 5, when disruptions peaked, IndiGo cancelled 1,588 domestic flights, accounting for nearly 79% of its domestic schedule. Only 35 international flights operated that day.
Despite IndiGo’s claims of stabilising operations since December 8, more than 200 flights were cancelled on Thursday, followed by 54 cancellations on Friday morning.
FDTL Phase II Implementation Blamed for Crisis
Officials say the disruptions stem from IndiGo’s inability to effectively implement the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, which came into force on November 1. The updated FDTL regulations aim to improve crew rest and fatigue management.
The government has also criticised the airline’s crew roster mismanagement, stating that internal operational gaps worsened the crisis.
To ensure stability, the aviation ministry has directed IndiGo — India’s largest domestic carrier — to reduce its daily winter schedule by 10% until operations normalise.
