Mumbai : India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has deployed an oversight team to IndiGo’s Mumbai headquarters beginning December 10, 2025, amid mounting concerns over widespread flight disruptions and alleged safety compromises. The move follows weeks of cancellations and delays that have left thousands of passengers stranded across major airports.
IndiGo, which operates nearly 60% of India’s domestic air traffic, recorded more than 200 flight disruptions in November, attributing the chaos to dense fog, crew shortages, and operational bottlenecks. However, DGCA officials summoned senior IndiGo executives to provide detailed explanations, including data on maintenance backlogs, crew rostering, and flight readiness compliance.
Under the intensified monitoring regime, IndiGo must submit daily reports on operational preparedness, on-time performance, and adherence to passenger rights norms. The deployment was ordered by DGCA chief Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, following concerns raised by passengers and unions.
Although IndiGo announced a return to full operations after a 48-hour technical snag, internal employee unions allege that cost-cutting measures have strained staffing and indirectly affected safety standards—an accusation the airline denies.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu reinforced the government’s stance, declaring “zero tolerance for safety lapses or operational negligence.” The fallout has affected approximately 1.2 million passengers annually, with airlines facing fines of up to ₹5 lakh per violation.
The situation mirrors global aviation challenges, where workforce shortages, maintenance delays, and post-pandemic demand surges continue to pressure airline ecosystems. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has assured authorities that stabilization measures are underway and that passenger welfare remains a priority.
