IndiGo has a robust Aircraft on Ground (AOG) recovery strategy

An AOG occurs when an aircraft is unable to fly due to technical faults or maintenance issues,either scheduled or unscheduled. At IndiGo, robust protocols are in place to mitigate these incidents, ensuring smooth flight operations. Factors that can lead to an AOG include technical malfunctions, mechanical failures, maintenance issues in remote locations where the required spares are unavailable, required skill set unavailability, or external factors such as foreign object damage, weather conditions.
IndiGo sets itself apart in the industry with a proactive approach to maintenance and AOG mitigation, leveraging:
· Predictive Maintenance – Airbus Skywise’s predictive maintenance platform helps anticipate issues before they become critical, ensuring proactive AOG prevention.
· ACARS*: The ACARS system enables real-time communication between aircraft and ground teams, allowing faster identification and resolution of technical issues.
· Adequate Spare Positioning: The airline strategically positions spare parts at multiple stations, ensuring quick access to necessary components for faster recovery.
· Trend Monitoring/Reliability Analysis: Comprehensive trend monitoring and reliability analysis, even at the component level.
· Dedicated AOG Recovery Team: Specialized AOG recovery team ensures rapid response and resolution, minimizing aircraft downtime.
· Maintenance Control Centre (MCC*) & Operations Control Centre (OCC*): MCC and OCC collaborate seamlessly as one team to enhance AOG management and operational continuity.
· Stringent Vendor Contracts: Maintain vendor contracts and continuously onboard new partners to ensure optimal spares support across the network.
· Tie-ups with Airlines/Contractors: Partner with other airlines and support contractors to secure additional spares and equipment, enabling quick aircraft recovery.

· Recurrent Training/Association: Provide recurrent training for its maintenance teams to stay updated on the latest techniques, and creating case studies of past AOG to create awareness.
· In-house Infrastructure Development: Developing in-house infrastructure, including hangars at major stations, to increase the maintenance capability and optimize the slots.
· Proactive Aircraft Changes: Proactively implementing change of aircraft to avert AOG situation and standby or alternative aircraft at major hubs.
· Strategic Planning: Efficient planning in the network schedule Comprehensive Passenger Support During AOG Situations.

Constant Communication:
· Timely announcements and notifications to keep passengers informed about the situation and next steps.
Rebooking and Refund Options:
· Rebooking on alternate IndiGo flights or rerouting on other airlines (OAL) if needed.
· Offering a one-time flight rescheduling or refunds for cancelled flights.
Welfare Support:
· Provision of food and beverages.
· Arranging accommodations if necessary.
· Providing additional support for vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens, and passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).

Customer Care Management
· Managing passengers through the Customer Care Center (CCC) for personalized assistance.

Operational Excellence
IndiGo consistently maintains a low MEL* (Minimum Equipment List) rate, minimal MEL number per aircraft, which is one of the lowest in the aviation industry. The airline also maintains 99.9% Technical Dispatch Reliability (TDR*).
AOG challenges and global supply chain issues
IndiGo’s AOG mitigation strategies include leveraging standby aircraft, utilizing the available buffers within the scheduled flights and aircraft swap, and initiating relief flight (as and when required) to accommodate passengers.
IndiGo’s 24×7 Operations Control
IndiGo’s OCC operates round the clock, staffed by a team of operations specialists, certified engineers, flight dispatchers, and meteorologists, ensuring a swift response to any AOG incidents. Regular trainings and drills are conducted to maintain high levels of readiness and flexibility.

IndiGo continues to strengthen its AOG preparedness by positioning standby aircraft at major hubs, optimizing network scheduling, and fostering strategic partnerships with global airlines. These initiatives are aimed at reducing AOG incidents and ensuring minimal impact on passengers.