In a message to employees following the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers, Rahul Bhatia, co-founder of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., said he is stepping into an expanded leadership role to manage the affairs of IndiGo, while acknowledging the airline's operational disruptions in December that triggered widespread passenger complaints.
In an internal email accessed by NDTV Profit, Bhatia struck a reflective tone, apologising for the chaos that hit the airline during the peak travel season.
“Stepping into my expanded role of managing the affairs of IndiGo with a deep sense of responsibility,” Bhatia wrote in the mail to employees.
He also expressed regret over the operational breakdown that disrupted flights last December.
“What happened last December should never have taken place. Our customers didn't deserve it and nor did all of you, especially the frontline employees,” he said.
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The message acknowledged the stress faced by staff during the period of disruption, particularly employees who dealt directly with passengers.
“I wish to place on record my indebtedness to all my colleagues,” Bhatia said, adding that many employees “carried the company's cross with grace and dignity”.
Bhatia used the communication to emphasise unity and accountability within the airline as it navigates a leadership transition.
“Let us stay focused and accountable, remain fiercely united,” he told employees, urging them to remain committed to the airline's core mission.
Bhatia also reflected on the airline's origins, recalling that InterGlobe founded IndiGo 22 years ago with a single mission: to make air travel affordable and accessible.
“We regain our right of choice with our customers and earn the distinction of being the pride of India,” he wrote.
He concluded the message by reaffirming the airline's long-standing goal of making air travel accessible to a wider section of Indians.
“Committed to the cause, and continue to do what we do best — offer affordable air travel,” he wrote.
The mail ended with an informal sign-off — “Rahul (alias ‘Main Hoon Na')”, a phrase meaning “I'm here”, signalling reassurance to employees during the transition.
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