India’s aviation regulator DGCA has suspended four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) as the IndiGo crisis deepened on Friday, following two days of massive flight disruptions that left thousands of passengers stranded across major airports. The action comes amid growing concerns over operational oversight after IndiGo cancelled more than 250 flights across Delhi, Bengaluru, and other major cities.
According to officials, the suspended FOIs were responsible for monitoring IndiGo’s operational compliance, including safety audits, crew certifications, training checks, and flight standards. These inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring airlines meet India’s stringent aviation safety norms. A senior source confirmed the suspensions and indicated that potential lapses in oversight may have contributed to the widespread operational breakdown.
The situation was particularly chaotic at Bengaluru Airport, where IndiGo cancelled 54 flights on Friday—31 arrivals and 23 departures. This followed a day of heavy disruptions on Thursday, when the airline grounded over 200 flights from Delhi and Bengaluru alone. Passengers across terminals reported long queues, unclear communication, and last-minute cancellations that triggered frustration and confusion.
As the crisis unfolded, DGCA escalated its intervention. Officials have now been stationed at IndiGo’s headquarters to monitor real-time operations and ensure compliance with safety and scheduling requirements. The regulator is examining whether the disruptions stem from crew shortages, rostering failures, internal management issues, or other systemic problems within the airline’s operations.
IndiGo’s top leadership is also under direct scrutiny. CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras have been summoned again to appear before the DGCA’s investigation panel at 2 pm on Friday. Both executives were questioned at length on Thursday, and the regulator’s inquiry is expected to intensify in the coming days.
The airline has acknowledged the disruptions but has not yet provided a detailed explanation for the sudden collapse of its flight schedules. Meanwhile, passengers continue to demand timely updates, refunds, and clearer communication as cancellations ripple across the country.
The suspension of the four Flight Operations Inspectors signals a decisive step by DGCA to address the crisis and fix accountability. With investigations ongoing and operational stability still uncertain, the situation remains fluid, and further regulatory action cannot be ruled out.