Amid IndiGo’s operational crisis, an anonymous letter has gone viral. It accuses the CEO and top management of faulty policies, fatigue-inducing rosters, and intimidating employees. The DGCA has also sought a response from the airline regarding serious lapses. Here are the complete details.

UPDATED: Dec 07, 2025 | 9:39 PM
Edited by: Suneel Kumar

An unverified open letter, addressed to “Fellow Citizens” and IndiGo Management, is circulating on social media. It is allegedly written by an IndiGo employee. The whistleblower claims that due to poor policies, exhausting work schedules, and a culture of fear, the airline has reached this crisis—especially blaming CEO Pieter Elbers.

This letter comes at a time when DGCA has issued a notice to Elbers asking him to explain the serious lapses in planning, supervision, and resource management within 24 hours.

The alleged author claims to have worked with IndiGo for years and endured “every exhausting night, low salary, and difficult roster.”

The letter says the crisis didn’t happen suddenly—pilot safety warnings were ignored, overwork caused staffing shortages, inexperienced people were promoted to senior roles, and a fearful atmosphere was created inside the company.

When pilots reported fatigue or safety concerns, they were allegedly called to the head office, threatened, scolded, and humiliated.
Night duties reportedly increased, leaves were reduced, and no compensation was given for extra workload.

The letter also criticizes the airline’s attitude toward customers—claiming that if passengers are treated respectfully, they begin to feel the airline belongs to them.

The letter names eight senior executives, blaming them for the crisis, with CEO Pieter Elbers at the top. It also alleges that during the crisis, Elbers was on vacation in the Netherlands.
Currently, the public list of top management includes:

• Isidoro Porqueras – Head of Operations




• Asim Mitra – Head of Flight Operations




• Jason Herter – Head of Operations Control Center

So far, none of these executives have responded to the letter.

IndiGo is facing one of the biggest operational disruptions in its history, with hundreds of flights cancelled and many delayed in the past week.

The issue escalated after DGCA implemented new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules that tightened restrictions on consecutive night duties. Once enforced, the real shortage of pilots became visible.
On Saturday, DGCA issued a notice to CEO Elbers demanding a reply within 24 hours and warned of action if it is unsatisfactory.

IndiGo stated on Sunday that it has activated its Crisis Management Group (CMG), which is monitoring the situation in real time. Members include:

• Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta




• Directors Gregg Saretsky, Mike Whitaker, Amitabh Kant




• CEO Pieter Elbers

Other board members are participating in daily review calls.

The whistleblower appeals to the central government to intervene and provide relief to employees, including:

• Setting minimum wages for ground staff




• Implementing minimum staffing rules per aircraft




• Giving employees formal representation in fatigue-related regulations

The letter claims rapid expansion and cost-cutting have weakened both safety and staff welfare.

The authenticity of the open letter has not been proven.
The author has not revealed their identity, position, or any evidence.
IndiGo has also not issued any official comment regarding the letter yet.