India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is set to implement the remaining clauses of relaxed flight duty time rules (FDTL) for pilots starting November 1, 2025. The move aims to ensure that cockpit crews are well-rested, thus bolstering flight safety.
Phased Implementation and Key Provisions
The implementation of the revised FDTL is being carried out in a phased manner. Fifteen clauses of the relaxed rules were put into effect on July 1, 2025, and the remaining seven clauses are scheduled to be enforced on November 1, 2025.
The initial phase focused on major safety-related provisions, including a minimum 48-hour rest period for pilots, restriction of the maximum duty period to flight duty period plus one hour, and a mandatory 10-hour rest period after returning from leave.
Night Duty Relaxations and Operational Constraints
In a recent development, the DGCA has granted a temporary relaxation regarding night duty limits for pilots. As airlines prepare to implement the new rest rules, pilots will be allowed to make up to three landings if their duty hours fall between 12:00 am and 1:55 am or between 5:00 am and 6:00 am. Earlier regulations had limited pilots to two landings during these hours. The regulator has also directed airlines to provide pilots with rest breaks equal to twice the length of their duty when operating such flights. This six-month extension aims to ensure a smooth transition to the new rules.
Airlines cited operational constraints as the reason for the relaxation, particularly concerning early sunrise and extended daylight hours in the eastern region. For example, departures from Delhi around 5 AM would only allow two landings under the new rules, reducing pilot utilization and requiring more standbys. The DGCA has clarified that these variations are transitional and will be reviewed with the operators after six months.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
While airlines have welcomed the flexibility provided by the DGCA, pilot unions have expressed concerns that these exemptions undermine the very purpose of the new regulations. The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA) has argued that granting such dispensations defeats the scientific basis of the rules, which were framed based on extensive research on human fatigue. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has even accused the DGCA of "wilful disobedience" of Delhi High Court orders, alleging that the relaxation violates the regulator's own affidavit and undertaking before the court. The FIP has urged the DGCA to withdraw any communication granting relaxation to airlines and reaffirm that the new norms will be enforced as per the court's orders.
DGCA's Standpoint
The DGCA has defended its decision by stating that the relaxations consider factors such as early sunrise and extended daylight in certain regions. DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai emphasized the regulator's commitment to balancing safety with viable operations. The DGCA maintains that this calibrated approach reflects its commitment to aviation safety while maintaining operational stability.
Background and the Need for Revised Rules
The push for stricter rest rules comes in response to growing concerns regarding pilot fatigue. In 2023, the death of an IndiGo pilot due to cardiac arrest before a scheduled flight brought the issue of pilot exhaustion into sharp focus. Studies have indicated that flying between 2 AM and 6 AM can be particularly exhausting for pilots, as this is when the body's internal clock is naturally at its lowest point of alertness and energy.
The revised FDTL framework was designed to address these long-standing concerns about pilot fatigue, especially during late-night operations. It is the result of years of consultations with airlines, pilot unions, and safety experts. The DGCA's efforts are aligned with international standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the U.S. and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which have consistently implemented strict regulations on pilot flying hours to prevent fatigue.
