IndiGo under fire: DGCA imposes 10 pc schedule cut; CEO Pieter Elbers claims 'operations stabilised'

The Union civil aviation ministry has cut IndiGo's winter schedule services by 10 per cent, to stabilise its operations and reduce flight cancellations. The major domestic aviation operator has been directed to expedite the disbursal of refunds and delivery of baggage to passengers.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu summoned executives of IndiGo, including Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers, on Tuesday and discussed the situation. Naidu said Indigo’s internal mismanagement of crew rosters, flight schedules and inadequate communication led to chaos at airports across the country. 

In a statement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation noted, "The airline has not been able to adequately manage its operational resources, including aircraft and pilot crew." The civil aviation authority said it is constantly monitoring the situation. 

In an X post, the Union minister said IndiGo's CEO "confirmed that 100 pc of the refunds for flights affected till December 6 have been completed. A strict instruction to expedite the completion of the remaining refunds and baggage handover was given." 

On curtailment of services, Naidu said IndiGo will continue to cover all its destinations while abiding by the new schedule. "Indigo has been instructed to comply with all the directives of the ministry, including fare capping and passenger convenience measures without any exception," the minister stressed. 

In a statement on Tuesday, IndiGo said its operations have stabilised, and it operated over 1,800 services on the day. The major airline claimed it has disbursed Rs 827 crore as refunds for cancelled tickets. The airline also said its entire network has been "fully restored".