New Delhi, 5 December (H.S.): Amid ongoing disruptions faced by India’s largest airline IndiGo, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has withdrawn its recently enforced directive mandating weekly rest days for pilots and replaced it with a flexible rest-period framework. The aviation regulator has also revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for several airlines to stabilize operations.
According to DGCA officials, the crisis began after the new FDTL regulations were implemented earlier this year, particularly affecting IndiGo. The revised rules introduced tighter restrictions on duty hours, number of night landings, rest durations, and other work parameters for pilots.
Under the new framework—aimed at reducing fatigue but posing operational challenges for carriers—the following key changes were made:Weekly rest for pilots increased from 36 hours to 48 hours.The definition of “night” extended from 00:00–05:00 to 00:00–06:00.The cap on weekly night landings reduced from six to two.Pilots restricted from performing more than two consecutive night duties.
Airlines Seek Flexibility, Cite Operational ConstraintsEarlier directives had prohibited airlines from substituting weekly rest with compensatory leave, intending to minimize fatigue among pilots and cabin crew.
However, airlines argued that the strict roster requirements were severely affecting flight schedules and disrupting overall operations.In representations submitted to the DGCA, airline associations urged the regulator to grant temporary flexibility, citing “operational disruptions” and the need to ensure continuity of flight services.
The DGCA subsequently decided to relax certain provisions while closely monitoring compliance with safety standards.
IndiGo Targets Normal Operations by February 2026In a high-level meeting held late Thursday night with the Civil Aviation Minister and DGCA officials, IndiGo representatives assured that services are expected to return to normal by February 10. The airline informed the regulator that corrective measures are underway to improve pilot rostering, enhance coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airports, and streamline aircraft turnaround procedures.
A DGCA spokesperson said the regulator “acknowledges the current challenges faced by airlines” and has appealed to pilots for cooperation as the aviation ecosystem transitions to the revised FDTL standards. “Passenger safety remains paramount, but operational continuity must also be maintained through collaborative reform,” the DGCA noted.
The updated approach marks a calibrated effort by India’s aviation watchdog to balance flight safety, pilot welfare, and operational stability amid record passenger demand and growing pressure on airline networks
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
