IndiGo announced that its Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has resigned with effect from March 10, 2026. The decision follows the airline’s worst operational disruption in December, an episode that attracted intense public criticism and regulatory scrutiny.
After Elbers’ exit, Rahul Bhatia will assume interim charge of the company’s management. IndiGo confirmed that Bhatia, who currently serves as Managing Director, will oversee operations until a permanent leadership arrangement is finalised.
In early December 2025, the airline faced severe disruptions over three days, cancelling 2,507 flights and delaying 1,852 more between December 3 and 5. The disruption affected more than three lakh passengers across the country. The crisis was attributed to inadequate readiness for implementing revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms governing pilot work hours and rest periods.
Following the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ordered a 10 percent reduction in IndiGo’s winter flight schedule until February 10. On January 17, 2026, the regulator also imposed penalties exceeding Rs 22 crore, issued formal warnings to Elbers and two other senior executives, and directed the airline to furnish a Rs 50 crore bank guarantee to ensure systemic operational improvements.
