DGCA to deploy staff inside IndiGo HQ

The DGCA has formed an oversight team of eight senior captains, and two of them, along with two government officials, will be stationed at IndiGo’s Gurgaon headquarters to monitor cancellation status, crew deployment, unplanned leave, and routes hit by staff shortages

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Aviation watchdog DGCA will station its personnel at IndiGo’s headquarters as it steps up oversight on India’s largest airline, which continues to cancel dozens of flights despite saying operations have stabilised.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formed an oversight team of eight senior captains, and two of them, along with two government officials, will be stationed at IndiGo’s Gurgaon headquarters to monitor cancellation status, crew deployment, unplanned leave, and routes hit by staff shortages.

“Both these teams will submit a daily report,” the DGCA said in the two page order. DGCA also summoned IndiGo Chief Executive Pieter Elbers to appear at its office on Thursday and submit a complete report, along with comprehensive data and updates, relating to the recent operational disruptions, according to a statement.

Meanwhile, DGCA has decided to carry out immediate onsite inspections to assess IndiGo’s operations across 11 domestic airports, according to an official order Wednesday.

All assigned officers will visit their respective airports in the next 2-3 days, and submit a comprehensive report to the Director of Operations for the flight safety department at the DGCA in New Delhi within 24 hours of their visit, the order said.

IndiGo has already submitted its revised flight schedule to DGCA after the government slashed its winter schedule by 10 per cent.