IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has appointed a renowned foreign aviation expert to probe the major flight disruptions that affected thousands of passengers in December. The airline’s board of directors approved the hiring of Captain John Illson, who will conduct an independent review and identify the causes of the operational failures that led to widespread cancellations and delays.
The disruptions began in early December, leaving many passengers stranded and causing significant inconvenience. In response, IndiGo formed a Crisis Management Group (CMG) to assess the situation and recommend corrective measures. The CMG concluded that an external, independent expert should be appointed to carry out a root-cause analysis of the disruptions, ensuring an unbiased evaluation of the airline’s operations.
Captain Illson is a veteran of the aviation industry with more than 40 years of experience. He has previously worked with global aviation authorities and organisations, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He has also consulted for several major airlines worldwide. His expertise includes aviation safety, operational strategy, and compliance with international aviation standards, making him well-suited to examine IndiGo’s recent challenges.
The independent review will cover all aspects of the airline’s operations, including scheduling, crew management, fleet planning, and safety procedures. Captain Illson’s team will submit a detailed report to the IndiGo board once the review is complete. The airline hopes the findings will help strengthen operational processes, prevent future disruptions, and restore passenger confidence.
This appointment comes amid heightened scrutiny of IndiGo’s operational readiness by regulators, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which has already taken action related to the December disruptions. The airline has stated that it is committed to learning from this review and implementing all necessary measures to ensure smoother operations in the future.
Passengers and industry observers are watching closely, as the independent review by an internationally respected aviation expert could set a benchmark for how airlines in India handle operational crises and improve overall reliability.
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