IndiGo Executive May Face Action After Operational Issues

Following recent operational disruptions, a senior executive at IndiGo is under scrutiny and may face regulatory action, according to sources familiar with the situation. A team of inspectors from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has identified weaknesses in the airline's operational procedures, with the airline's operations control center (OCC) being a primary area of concern.

The DGCA had assembled a panel of eight flight operations inspectors (FOIs) to monitor IndiGo's operations until they stabilize. The inspectors have reportedly found vulnerabilities within the airline's system, according to the Times of India. The focus is on a high-ranking expatriate member of IndiGo's management team, though not the CEO.

The investigation revealed that the OCC is a weak point. The airline has resorted to issuing pilots two-day rosters in the wake of the disruptions. This means pilots are only informed of their flight schedules two days in advance. This two-day roster system will remain in place until the OCC system is functioning correctly. The situation is further complicated by low visibility conditions across North India, making it more challenging to schedule pilots qualified for low-visibility operations for early morning and late-night flights to airports affected by fog, such as Delhi, Amritsar, and Lucknow.

In related news, the DGCA recently terminated four FOIs, a move that has reportedly upset their colleagues. Sources indicate that some FOIs feel they are being unfairly blamed for the situation and are considering resigning. The DGCA is also grappling with the impact of low visibility across North India, which has led to flight cancellations to provide passengers with advance notice.

Meanwhile, flights to and from Hindon Airport have been reduced by half this winter due to operational restrictions and reduced visibility. The airport, which recently began civil operations, has decreased its handling capacity from 25 arrivals and 25 departures in the summer to 12 arrivals and 12 departures. An airport official stated that IndiGo has already cancelled two flights due to these limitations.

As IndiGo grapples with these challenges, other airlines are evaluating their options. Air India is considering increasing its operations, and Akasa Air has inquired about the duration of IndiGo's capacity cuts. Akasa Air is assessing whether to operate additional flights in the latter half of January, coinciding with the addition of its 31st aircraft to its fleet. The aviation ministry is expected to finalize decisions regarding IndiGo's capacity reductions this week. Air India has offered to explore operating an additional 275 flights this month.

An official noted that while Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air resources are nearly fully deployed, any void left by IndiGo's flight cuts can only be partially and temporarily filled. The official emphasized that the priority is to restore IndiGo's operations to full capacity as quickly as possible.