IndiGo Appoints Captain Rohit Rikhye as OCC Head

IndiGo Leadership Reshuffle Follows Operational Review

IndiGo has appointed Rohit Rikhye as the new Head of its Operations Control Centre (OCC), marking a significant leadership transition within India’s largest airline by market share. The appointment follows operational disruptions experienced by the carrier in December 2025, which prompted regulatory scrutiny and internal reassessment of operational systems.

Leadership Transition and Operational Context

Captain Rikhye succeeds Jason Herter, who is departing the airline. The change represents the first major senior management reshuffle since the December disruptions, during which widespread flight delays and cancellations affected network stability.

The episode triggered passenger grievances and intensified oversight by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In January 2026, regulatory authorities imposed penalties amounting to Rs 22 crore, underscoring heightened accountability standards within India’s aviation sector.

Professional Background of Rohit Rikhye

Captain Rikhye brings more than 11 years of experience within IndiGo’s operational ecosystem. Prior to this role, he served as Chief Pilot — Standards, Quality Assurance and Operations Safety, overseeing pilot training frameworks, safety compliance mechanisms, and operational quality controls.

His extensive involvement in regulatory alignment and operational safety is expected to reinforce continuity and strengthen system-level oversight at the OCC.

Strategic Role of the Operations Control Centre

The OCC functions as the command hub of airline operations, managing flight dispatch, scheduling coordination, network monitoring, and compliance with safety regulations. It plays a critical role in ensuring punctuality, resource optimisation, and operational resilience.

In his expanded capacity, Rikhye will supervise crew planning and rostering, essential for adherence to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and fatigue management standards.

Industry and Regulatory Significance

The leadership shift signals IndiGo’s focus on enhancing operational reliability and regulatory compliance amid expanding passenger demand and competitive market conditions.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• DGCA regulates civil aviation safety and compliance in India.

• OCC manages real-time airline operations and dispatch functions.

• FDTL rules prevent pilot fatigue and enhance flight safety.

• Operational disruptions invite regulatory intervention.

• India remains a rapidly growing aviation market.