IndiGo Crisis: DGCA Can't Fire CEO, But Rules 19A, 133A Are Its 'Weapons'

• IndiGo faces a major operational crisis with hundreds of daily flight cancellations and delays, impacting millions of passengers.
• The DGCA issued a harsh show-cause notice to IndiGo for failing to plan crew/operations, not preparing for new FDTL rules, and poor passenger facilitation.
• The government or DGCA cannot directly remove IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers, as it's a private company decision.
• DGCA can use Rules 19A and 133A to indirectly pressure IndiGo, potentially limiting flights by 50%, suspending its AOP, or removing the CEO from operational roles.
• The Civil Aviation Ministry issued a 48-hour deadline for IndiGo to clear pending refunds and deliver baggage from delayed/cancelled flights.

Why It Matters: DGCA's indirect power to remove IndiGo CEO ensures airline accountability.