Indian Govt may remove IndiGo CEO and impose heavy penalties for harassing passengers: Sources

IndiGo could face government action after recent flight cancellations disrupted travel for thousands, according to sources. 

Reports suggest the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) may push for the removal of CEO Pieter Elbers and impose financial penalties, while reviewing the airline’s operations to prevent further disruption.

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Could IndiGo CEO Be Removed and Fined by the Indian Government?

If the government acts, sources indicate that CEO Pieter Elbers could be removed — a rare move in India’s aviation sector. Heavy fines are also reportedly being considered to hold the airline accountable for operational failures.

Sources further suggest that IndiGo might face restrictions on the number of flights it can operate until authorities are satisfied with compliance under DGCA rules. 

Meanwhile, travelers are said to receive refunds for cancelled flights by 8:00 PM on Sunday, 7 December 2025, without rescheduling fees. Special passenger support and refund cells are also reportedly being set up.

If these measures are implemented, sources suggest it could mark a stronger approach to airline accountability in India, ensuring better service for passengers in the coming weeks.

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Why Did IndiGo Cancel 1000+ Flights

The chaos followed the introduction of new pilot rest-hour rules under DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Sources say airlines had been given time to adjust schedules, but IndiGo reportedly failed to manage the changes effectively. This allegedly led to over 1,000 cancelled flights in a single day, affecting passengers nationwide.

A government source reportedly told reporters, “The way the airline handled its operations under the new rules was not acceptable. We need to make sure passengers are not left stranded.” Because IndiGo handles around two-thirds of India’s domestic flights, the disruption drew strong attention from officials.

In a video message, Pieter Elbers reportedly said, “Regrettably, the steps we took in the past few days were not enough. We are working to fix operations and expect normal flights by December 10–15.”

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