IndiGo has appointed former Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh as its new chief strategy officer, effective April 6, reported Reuters. The move comes as the airline navigates leadership changes following a major operational disruption in December 2025.
In early March, IndiGo confirmed that CEO Pieter Elbers has stepped down from his position, effective March 10, 2026. His resignation follows the airline’s worst-ever operational crisis in December, which led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, drawing attention from both the public and the government.
Rahul Bhatia, the airline’s managing director, will take charge on an interim basis, overseeing the company’s management until further arrangements are made.
THE DECEMBER FLIGHT CRISIS
Between December 3 and 5, 2025, IndiGo cancelled 2,507 flights and delayed 1,852 others, affecting over three lakh passengers nationwide. The disruptions were linked to challenges in implementing revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms for pilots.
Following the crisis, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reduced IndiGo’s winter schedule by 10% until February 10. On January 17, 2026, the regulator imposed penalties exceeding Rs 22 crore, issued warnings to Elbers and two other senior executives, and asked the airline to provide a Rs 50 crore bank guarantee to ensure systemic improvements.
