**IndiGo Flight Disruptions Lead to Suspension of DGCA Inspectors**
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) following significant operational disruptions at IndiGo, resulting in thousands of flight cancellations and leaving numerous passengers stranded at airports. On Friday alone, IndiGo canceled over 50 flights from Bengaluru Airport, adding to the chaos that had already seen more than 200 flights canceled from Delhi and Bengaluru the previous day.
FOIs are senior officials within the DGCA responsible for ensuring aviation safety through the inspection, auditing, and certification of airlines and their personnel, including pilots and cabin crew. A source confirmed to PTI that the suspension of these four inspectors is directly linked to the recent widespread disruptions in IndiGo’s flight operations.
In response to the ongoing issues, IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras are scheduled to appear before the DGCA’s investigation panel again at 2 PM on Friday. The DGCA has intensified its scrutiny of the airline by deploying officials to its headquarters to closely monitor operations. Elbers faced questioning from the inquiry panel on Thursday and has been asked to return for further discussions.
The four-member panel, which includes Joint Director General Sanjay Brahamane and Deputy Director General Amit Gupta, is tasked with identifying the root causes of the operational disruptions. Their investigation will assess various factors, including manpower planning, rostering systems, and the airline’s readiness to implement new duty period and rest regulations for pilots that took effect on November 1.
As the situation unfolds, the DGCA’s actions highlight the importance of regulatory oversight in maintaining aviation safety and operational integrity within the airline industry.
**FAQ**
**What led to the suspension of DGCA inspectors?**
The suspension of four Flight Operations Inspectors was a response to significant operational disruptions at IndiGo, which resulted in thousands of flight cancellations and stranded passengers.