IndiGo has appointed Chief Aviation Advisors LLC to conduct an independent assessment of last week’s large-scale flight cancellations that caused significant travel disruptions across India. The airline confirmed that its board has approved the engagement of the global aviation consulting firm, led by Captain John Illson, to identify the root causes of the operational challenges and recommend improvements.
The decision follows a week of widespread cancellations beginning December 2, which resulted in long delays and difficulties for thousands of passengers at major airports nationwide. IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has been under increased scrutiny as regulatory bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, intensified their investigations into the disruptions.
In its official statement, IndiGo highlighted Captain Illson’s extensive background, noting his four decades of experience with global aviation institutions such as the FAA, ICAO, and IATA, along with leading roles at major international carriers. His expertise spans aviation strategy, operational safety, standards development, and emerging aircraft technologies.
According to the airline, the independent review will begin immediately. Upon completion, the expert committee will present a comprehensive report to IndiGo’s Board of Directors, outlining findings and strategic recommendations.
IndiGo stated that the objective of the review is to ensure a thorough and unbiased analysis of the recent issues and to help the airline strengthen reliability and enhance overall passenger experience.
