New Delhi, 07 April (H.S.):

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken a crucial step by granting temporary exemptions to pilots' Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for long-haul flights, effective until April 30, to ensure seamless airline operations amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba Ao from the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated during an inter-ministerial press briefing on Tuesday that this measure aims to secure pilot availability for uninterrupted functioning, with authorities closely monitoring the evolving situation.

Multiple nations—including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates—have closed their airspace or imposed severe restrictions, causing unprecedented disruptions to global aviation networks and international connectivity.

Asangba Chuba Ao revealed that over 10,000 flights by Indian carriers have been cancelled due to the West Asia turmoil; daily operations to the region, previously 300-350 flights, have plummeted to just 80-90.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar