IndiGo chaos sparks crackdown

Show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers; domestic airfares capped. Refunds ordered by 8 pm tonight. Disruptions continue to persist

- Dhairya Gajara

India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers over the spiralling flight-disruption crisis that has upended travel plans for thousands of passengers across the country.

The watchdog has asked Elbers to explain why punitive action should not be taken against him personally, citing widespread inconvenience and operational failures that brought airports to a standstill. The regulator has warned that an unsatisfactory response could invite a substantial financial penalty on the airline.

The DGCA underlined that, as IndiGo's chief executive, it is his responsibility to ensure operational stability and prevent the sort of large-scale breakdown witnessed over the past several days. IndiGo has been given 24 hours to respond to the notice. A government official told a news agency on Saturday that appropriate action would be taken once the inquiry committee submits its findings on the ongoing disruptions.