IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers Resigns

With immediate effect, Pieter Elbers will be stepping down as InterGlobe Aviation Limited’s (IndiGo) CEO. He took charge of the airline’s operations in 2023. Rahul Bhatia, managing director of IndiGo, shall in the interim assume management of the affairs of the airline until such time that the company announces the arrival of a new leader, which is expected in short order.

Elbers, was under public ire after the worst-aviation crisis in India last year, which caused nation-wide flight delays and cancellations. The primary reason for the flight disruptions were said to be crew shortages after new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms kicked in. Only 20 per cent of its flights operated on time on December 3, down from 35 per cent on a day earlier and around 50 per cent on December 1. This caused massive outrage, as passengers were stranded at various airports.

“Rahul returns to assume management of the affairs of the airline to strengthen the company’s culture, reinforce operational excellence and deepen its commitment to delivering exceptional service of care, reliability and professionalism to its customers”, said the chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta.

“Having founded and nurtured IndiGo for twenty two years, I feel a deep sense of personal commitment and responsibility towards our nation and towards the airline’s customers, employees, shareholders and all other stakeholders”, said Rahul Bhatia. “While placing culture, service excellence and stakeholder trust at the forefront of its operations, IndiGo will continue to sharpen its strategic focus on serving India and her people with an airline that is professionally managed, operationally reliable and globally respected,” Bhatia added.