Interglobe Aviation 's IndiGo has announced the launch of its new direct flight service connecting Mumbai and Riyadh, with operations set to begin from March 12. This development marks another significant step in the airline's international expansion strategy.

New Route Details

The new service will operate as a Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai route, providing direct connectivity between India's financial hub and Saudi Arabia's capital city. The announcement comes as part of IndiGo's ongoing efforts to strengthen its international network and cater to growing demand for travel between India and the Middle East.

Strategic Significance

The Mumbai-Riyadh route represents IndiGo's commitment to expanding its international footprint in key markets. Saudi Arabia serves as an important destination for Indian travelers, both for business and leisure purposes, making this route strategically valuable for the airline's growth plans.

This new service is expected to enhance travel convenience for passengers traveling between the two cities, eliminating the need for connecting flights and reducing overall travel time. The route will also contribute to strengthening economic and cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

InterGlobe Aviation Limited 's Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers has resigned from his position effective March 10, 2026, marking a significant leadership transition at India's largest domestic airline. The resignation was announced through a regulatory filing under SEBI regulations.

Resignation Details and Timeline

Elbers submitted his resignation letter on March 10, 2026, citing personal reasons for his departure. In his resignation letter addressed to the Board of Directors, he requested that the notice period be waived off, with his resignation taking effect immediately at the close of business hours on March 10, 2026.

The key details of the leadership transition are outlined below:

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

The company filed the resignation notice with both the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited under compliance requirements of SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015. The Board meeting to formalize the resignation was held from 1730 hours to 1745 hours IST on March 10, 2026.

Company Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer Neerja Sharma signed the regulatory disclosure, which included the resignation letter and press release as required attachments.

Interim Management Arrangement

Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director of IndiGo, will assume interim management of the airline's affairs until a new leader is announced. According to Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta, Bhatia returns to strengthen the company's culture, reinforce operational excellence, and deepen commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Bhatia expressed his commitment to the airline's stakeholders, stating his deep sense of personal responsibility towards the nation, customers, employees, and shareholders. He emphasized that IndiGo will continue focusing on culture, service excellence, and stakeholder trust while maintaining its strategic focus on serving India.

Leadership Transition Impact

Elbers served as CEO since September 2022, overseeing the airline's operations during a period of significant growth. In his resignation letter, he acknowledged the honor and privilege of serving as IndiGo's CEO and being part of the airline's growth story. He indicated his availability for any handover or transition processes if required by the company.

Company Performance Context

IndiGo continues to maintain its position as India's preferred carrier and among the fastest-growing airlines globally. The airline's current operational scale demonstrates its market leadership:

The company was named 'Best Airline in India and South Asia' by Skytrax at the World Airline Awards 2025 and recognized as the sixth Most Punctual Airline in Asia-Pacific in 2025 by Cirium.