Rohit Rikhye Appointed IndiGo OCC Head

IndiGo has appointed Captain Rohit Rikhye as the new Head of its Operations Control Centre (OCC), marking a key leadership change following the airline’s operational disruptions in December 2025. The reshuffle comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny and internal restructuring at India’s largest carrier by market share. Rikhye replaces Jason Herter, who is exiting the airline.

Leadership Change After December Disruptions

The appointment is the first major senior management shift since widespread flight delays and cancellations disrupted IndiGo’s network in December. The crisis triggered passenger complaints, regulatory intervention, and a review of internal operational systems.

In January 2026, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed penalties amounting to Rs 22 crore on the airline. Authorities also directed the dismissal of a senior vice-president as part of corrective action. The developments signalled the regulator’s firm stance on accountability and operational compliance in India’s aviation sector.

Rikhye’s Professional Background

Captain Rohit Rikhye brings over 11 years of experience within IndiGo. Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Pilot — Standards, Quality Assurance and Operations Safety. His role involved oversight of pilot training standards, safety compliance, and operational best practices.

An experienced aviator and safety professional, Rikhye has been closely associated with IndiGo’s operational framework and regulatory alignment. His long tenure within the airline is expected to ensure continuity while strengthening systems oversight.

Role and Responsibilities of the OCC

The Operations Control Centre functions as the nerve centre of an airline’s real-time operations. It oversees flight planning, dispatch, tracking, and coordination with air traffic control authorities. It also ensures compliance with safety regulations and operational protocols.

Rikhye will additionally supervise crew scheduling and rostering, a critical function in maintaining punctuality and regulatory adherence regarding flight duty time limitations.

Important Facts for Exams

• DGCA is India’s civil aviation regulator under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Airlines must comply with Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) to prevent pilot fatigue.
• Operations Control Centres manage real-time flight dispatch and regulatory coordination.
• India is one of the world’s fastest-growing domestic aviation markets.

Regulatory Oversight and Industry Implications

The December disruptions and subsequent penalties highlight increasing regulatory vigilance in India’s aviation sector. The civil aviation ministry informed authorities that corrective steps had been undertaken after the crisis. The leadership transition at the OCC signals IndiGo’s attempt to reinforce operational resilience, safety compliance, and real-time coordination as competition and passenger traffic continue to grow.