IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers resigns, co-founder Bhatia steps in after December crisis

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers resigned on Tuesday , citing personal reasons, in a development that comes three months after massive operational disruptions at India's largest airline triggered widespread public outrage and strict regulatory actions. Co-Founder and Managing Director Rahul Bhatia will manage the airline's affairs on an interim basis until a new leader is appointed, which the airline said is expected in short order.

"With immediate effect, Pieter Elbers will be stepping down as InterGlobe Aviation Limited's (IndiGo) CEO," the airline said in a release, thanking him for his contribution and wishing him well in future endeavours.

Elbers, a Dutch national, had been at the helm of IndiGo as CEO for more than three years since September 6, 2022 . In his resignation letter, he described his tenure as "both an honour and a privilege," calling IndiGo "a beautiful growth story." He also requested the airline waive his notice period, adding that he would remain available for any handover or transition if required.

The resignation comes in the wake of operational disruptions, particularly between December 3 and 5 last year , during which 2,507 flights were cancelled and 1,852 were delayed , impacting over three lakh passengers across the country. In January, aviation watchdog DGCA imposed penalties totalling Rs 22.20 crore on the airline for the disruptions, issued warnings to Elbers and two other senior executives for non-compliance, and directed the airline to furnish a Rs 50-crore bank guarantee to ensure long-term systemic corrections.

Addressing staff after Elbers' exit, Bhatia said, "What happened last December should never have taken place . Our customers didn't deserve it, and nor did all of you, especially the frontline employees who bore most of the brunt for no fault of theirs." He also acknowledged employees who worked through the crisis, saying, "I wish to place on record my indebtedness to all my colleagues who carried the company's cross with grace and dignity, and ploughed through sleepless nights to restore IndiGo's operational integrity. You are indeed the living spirit of IndiGo! "

Bhatia, who co-founded and has nurtured IndiGo for 22 years , said he steps into his expanded role "with a deep sense of responsibility, not only to the company's customers and its shareholders, but to every employee who powers this airline." He added that 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 ."

He signed off his message to staff as "Rahul alias Main Hoon Naa" , a reference to the 2004 Bollywood film starring Shah Rukh Khan.With over 400 aircraft and more than 2,200 flights daily , IndiGo held a domestic market share of 63.6 per cent in January.