In a decisive move following widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has terminated the services of four flight operation inspectors. According to sources, the inspectors were responsible for monitoring the airline’s flight operations and safety standards but failed to enforce compliance effectively.
The regulator’s action comes in the wake of operational lapses that forced IndiGo to cancel thousands of flights earlier this month, leaving passengers stranded across major airports in India.
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Negligence in Safety and Operational Supervision
Sources said the inspectors were found to have neglected routine safety checks and operational oversight responsibilities. DGCA officials stated that the airline’s crisis — marked by severe crew shortages and disrupted flight schedules — was aggravated by poor regulatory vigilance. The dismissals are part of a broader accountability review aimed at tightening safety monitoring across all domestic airlines.
Monitoring Teams Deployed at IndiGo Headquarters
In addition to the disciplinary action, DGCA has deployed two dedicated monitoring teams at IndiGo’s headquarters in Gurugram. These teams are tasked with reviewing multiple aspects of the airline’s operations, including crew utilisation, flight scheduling, passenger refunds, and compliance with duty-hour norms.
Officials said the teams will submit daily status reports to the regulator by 6 p.m. each day. The step aims to ensure that corrective measures are implemented promptly to prevent a repeat of the disruption.
Focus on Crew Management and Network Performance
One of the teams is examining IndiGo’s total fleet size, number of pilots, average daily flights, and areas impacted by crew shortages. The team is also analysing flight time averages — from take-off to landing — and evaluating the airline’s overall network performance. DGCA officials noted that such audits are crucial for understanding the systemic gaps that led to large-scale cancellations.
Regulator Reinforces Accountability Standards
DGCA’s latest action signals a strong message to all carriers and internal officials about adherence to safety and operational protocols. The regulator has already issued directives for stricter enforcement of crew duty limits and passenger compensation rules. Officials indicated that further disciplinary measures may follow if other supervisory lapses are detected.
