IndiGo Implements Leadership Changes Following DGCA Investigation into December Flight Disruption
In a significant move addressing last December's operational crisis, IndiGo has initiated personnel changes by appointing a new head for its operations control centre. The airline announced on Friday that Captain Rohit Rikhye has been appointed as the head of the OCC, replacing Jason Herter from the position.
Regulatory Mandate Drives Leadership Shakeup
This appointment comes directly in response to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's investigation report on the IndiGo crisis. The aviation regulator had specifically directed the removal of Herter from his position as OCC senior vice president and further ordered that he not be assigned any accountable position within the airline in the future.
"Captain Rohit Rikhye, currently serving as chief pilot for standards, quality assurance and operation safety, has been appointed the new head of OCC," confirmed sources familiar with the development. "He brings extensive experience from flight operations and has handled rostering responsibilities. His understanding of pilot concerns regarding rostering issues positions him well to resolve those challenges."
Additional Personnel Actions Expected
Industry insiders indicate this represents just the beginning of organizational changes at the airline. "While Herter will transition to another position within the company, additional personnel changes are anticipated in the coming weeks," revealed sources close to the matter.
The primary focus currently remains on maintaining operational stability and preventing any recurrence of December's widespread disruptions. However, addressing accountability for those responsible has now moved to the forefront of management priorities.
Enhanced Regulatory Oversight and Systemic Changes
DGCA officials have maintained heightened vigilance, visiting IndiGo offices almost every second day to monitor corrective actions. Both the airline and regulatory authorities recognize they cannot afford another operational failure of similar magnitude.
The regulator's investigation identified multiple systemic failures contributing to the crisis, including:
- Over-optimization of operations beyond sustainable limits
- Inadequate regulatory preparedness and oversight mechanisms
- Deficiencies in system software support infrastructure
- Shortcomings in management structure and operational control protocols
"The airline's management failed to adequately identify planning deficiencies, maintain sufficient operational buffer, and effectively implement revised Flight Duty Time Limitations provisions," stated the DGCA report.
Addressing Roster Optimization Concerns
A critical finding highlighted IndiGo's "overriding focus on maximizing utilization of crew," which significantly reduced roster buffer margins to dangerous levels. "Crew rosters were designed to maximize duty periods with minimal recovery margins," the report noted. "This compromised roster integrity and adversely impacted operational resilience during unexpected disruptions."
The leadership changes and systemic adjustments now being implemented aim specifically to prevent similar operational breakdowns. By appointing an experienced flight operations professional to lead the OCC and addressing the roster optimization practices identified by regulators, IndiGo seeks to rebuild operational reliability and restore confidence among passengers and aviation authorities alike.
