New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) IndiGo's Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has been summoned once again by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the domestic aviation sector continues to face significant disruptions, according to a statement from the airline on Thursday.

This follows Elbers's previous appearance earlier this week, where he was required to clarify the reasons behind one of the most significant crises in the Indian civil aviation sector and to deliberate on the steps needed to restore normalcy.

Reports indicate that a four-member panel will be probing him during this session.

To delve deeper into the underlying issues, the DGCA has set up an eight-member specialized team to closely monitor IndiGo's operations as the airline contends with ongoing disturbances across its network.

Two members of this team will be stationed at IndiGo's corporate headquarters to examine daily operations and pinpoint any deficiencies impacting flight schedules.

This decision by the aviation regulator comes amid a growing crisis that has led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays, causing severe congestion at major airports nationwide and resulting in long queues for passengers.

In light of the situation, IndiGo indicated a tentative return to normal operations, with an aim to run over 1,950 flights on Thursday.

An IndiGo representative stated that all destinations in the airline’s network have been fully operational since December 8, with operations stabilizing from December 9 onwards.

“IndiGo is enhancing its operations daily, now operating over 1,900 flights that seamlessly connect all 138 destinations in our network,” the spokesperson remarked.

IndiGo's Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta mentioned that the airline’s Board intends to engage external technical experts to collaborate with management and ascertain the root causes of last week’s extensive flight disruptions.

In his detailed statement, Mehta emphasized that these experts would assist in ensuring that such large-scale operational failures do not occur in the future.

He also extended apologies to the passengers affected by the disruptions that transpired between December 3 and 5.

Mehta acknowledged that thousands of travelers were left stranded, with many missing crucial personal events, business appointments, medical engagements, and international connections. The chaos was further exacerbated by baggage delays.

“We sincerely apologize,” he expressed, recognizing the airline's failure to meet customer expectations.

Mehta noted that the Board had initially refrained from making an early statement to allow the management, led by CEO Elbers, to concentrate on restoring operations.

“IndiGo is now successfully operating over 1,900 flights a day, connecting all 138 destinations, with on-time performance returning to normal levels,” he concluded.