IndiGo crisis, Dec. 8 -- India's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a show-cause notice to Pieter Elbers, the CEO of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company and operator of IndiGo, demanding an explanation for one of the country's most severe air travel disruptions.

IndiGo, which commands nearly 66% of the domestic aviation market, cancelled hundreds of flights last week, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across major Indian airports. The crisis was triggered by an acute pilot shortage, as the airline failed to adequately prepare for new, stricter pilot duty rules, which mandate increased rest hours, effective 1 November.

The airline confirmed its planning failure, stating it di...