India's aviation sector is facing turbulence as the Centre is reportedly planning a major crackdown on IndiGo, potentially including the removal of CEO Pieter Elbers, according to sources. This action follows a period of significant flight disruptions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and sparking widespread criticism.
IndiGo, the country's largest airline with a market share of approximately 60% and operating over 2,300 flights daily, has been grappling with a severe operational crisis. Since late November, the airline has cancelled over 1,200 flights, with the situation escalating in early December. On December 4th alone, 550 flights were cancelled, followed by over 400 cancellations on December 5th. These cancellations have affected major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, causing substantial inconvenience to passengers.
The mass cancellations have been attributed to a combination of factors, including crew shortages stemming from the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), adverse weather conditions, technology glitches, and increased congestion in the aviation system. The new FDTL rules, which mandate more rest for pilots and crew, appear to have significantly impacted IndiGo's operations.
Facing mounting pressure, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers issued a public apology for the disruptions. In a statement, Elbers acknowledged the airline's failure to meet its promise of providing a good experience to its customers. He outlined three lines of action, including improved customer communication, addressing customer needs through refunds and support, and increasing call center capacity. Elbers also stated that the airline had decided to reboot its systems and schedules, leading to a high number of cancellations to ensure progressive improvements in flight operations. He anticipates that cancellations will fall below 1,000 on Saturday, with a return to normal operations expected between December 10 and 15.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken cognizance of the situation, with Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu announcing a high-level inquiry to investigate the causes of the disruptions and determine accountability. The government has also put the new FDTL rules in abeyance in the interest of passengers and instructed airlines to issue automatic refunds and provide accommodation for stranded passengers.
The potential removal of Pieter Elbers as CEO signals the government's serious concerns regarding the airline's handling of the crisis. While IndiGo has taken steps to address the immediate disruptions, the long-term impact on its reputation and market position remains to be seen. The outcome of the government inquiry and any subsequent actions will likely have significant implications for the airline and the broader aviation industry.
