IndiGo Airlines has announced the appointment of Michael Whitaker, former Administrator of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as an Independent Director on its Board, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. The announcement was made on April 24, 2025.
Whitaker brings over 30 years of aviation expertise, having previously served in senior roles including Chief Operating Officer at Supernal (Hyundai’s air mobility division), Deputy Administrator at the FAA, and Senior Vice President at United Airlines. He most recently stepped down from the FAA in January this year.
Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director of IndiGo, welcomed the appointment, saying, “Mike’s deep and varied industry and government experience will contribute significantly to having an effective and diverse Board. His focus on efficiency, operations, and air safety as head of the FAA will reinforce IndiGo’s longstanding focus on operating at the highest levels.”
Expressing his excitement, Michael Whitaker said, “I am deeply honored to have the privilege of joining the Board of the world’s fastest-growing airline on its way to becoming a global aviation giant. India is one of the world’s great travel hubs with unlimited growth potential.”
Whitaker, a licensed pilot, holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA in Political Science from the University of Louisville.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft with more than 2,200 daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. In FY25, it welcomed over 118 million customers.
