IndiGo Faces Continued Crisis as Independent Probe Launched into Widespread Flight Disruptions

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, cancelled around 160 flights on Friday. The disruptions centered on major hubs in Delhi and Bengaluru. This marked a second consecutive day of severe operational turmoil for the carrier.

TOPSHOT – Labourers work atop an under-construction building as an IndiGo Airlines aircraft prepares to land at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on December 9, 2025. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP)

The airline’s top executives faced a second round of questioning by aviation regulators. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the root causes of the instability.

Airline Board Appoints External Expert for Root-Cause Analysis

The board of InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo’s parent company, took decisive action. It appointed an independent aviation expert firm to conduct a thorough review. The goal is to identify the core reasons behind the recent disruptions.

The selected firm is Chief Aviation Advisors LLC. It is led by veteran aviation expert Captain John Illson. The firm will begin its investigation immediately and report directly to the board.

This move follows an internal video message from Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta. He had indicated the board’s plan to seek outside technical help. The board has also established a dedicated Crisis Management Group.

Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies Amid Passenger Chaos

The DGCA’s probe panel is examining several critical areas. Its focus includes IndiGo’s manpower planning and rostering system volatility. It is also assessing readiness for new pilot duty rules that started in November.

In a significant enforcement step, the DGCA dismissed four Flight Operations Inspectors. This action is directly linked to the ongoing disruptions at the Gurugram-based airline. According to PTI reports, the cancellations have caused massive inconvenience for thousands of passengers.

The operational crisis began noticeably on December 2nd. It has raised serious questions about systemic resilience. The airline’s management now faces pressure to restore reliability swiftly.

The appointment of an external expert underscores the severity of IndiGo’s operational crisis. The coming weeks will be crucial for restoring passenger trust and regulatory confidence amid these widespread flight disruptions.

Info at your fingertips

How many IndiGo flights were cancelled recently?

On Friday, approximately 160 flights were cancelled from Delhi and Bengaluru airports. This followed over 200 cancellations across the same hubs the previous day.

What is the DGCA investigating?

The regulator is probing root causes like manpower planning and rostering systems. It is also checking IndiGo’s compliance with new pilot duty and rest norms.

Who is reviewing the disruptions for IndiGo’s board?

The board hired an external firm, Chief Aviation Advisors LLC, led by Captain John Illson. This independent expert will perform a root-cause analysis and recommend improvements.

What action did the DGCA take against its own staff?

The aviation regulator dismissed four Flight Operations Inspectors. This action is connected to the oversight of the ongoing operational disruptions at IndiGo.

What has the IndiGo board done internally?

Beyond hiring an external expert, the board formed a dedicated Crisis Management Group. This group will handle the immediate fallout and coordinate the response.