Home / Business and Economy / Bhatia Returns to IndiGo Helm Amidst Turmoil
Bhatia Returns to IndiGo Helm Amidst Turmoil
11 Mar
Summary
- CEO Elbers exits, Bhatia returns amidst operational crisis.
- IndiGo cancelled over 2,500 flights impacting 300,000 passengers.
- Regulator imposed a ₹22.20 crore fine on the airline.
IndiGo's share price increased by up to 3.02% to ₹4,512.90 on the National Stock Exchange, even as the benchmark Nifty 50 saw a dip. This movement follows the departure of CEO Elbers and the return of Bhatia to lead India's largest airline.
Elbers' tenure, which began in September 2022, saw IndiGo grow into a $10-billion revenue company and expand its fleet. However, his time as CEO will be notably marked by a severe operational crisis in early December 2025. During this period, IndiGo cancelled over 2,500 flights and delayed nearly 1,900, impacting more than 300,000 passengers.
In response to the widespread disruptions, India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, imposed a substantial fine of ₹22.20 crore and issued show-cause notices directly to Elbers. While he initially weathered calls for resignation, the crisis significantly damaged the airline's reputation for punctuality.
Returning to the helm, Bhatia acknowledged the difficulties faced by employees and customers. In an internal communication, he expressed gratitude to colleagues who managed the situation with dedication and pledged to regain customer trust and operational excellence. Bhatia aims to restore IndiGo's standing by focusing on affordable fares and a hassle-free customer experience.
