DGCA eases FDTL rules amid IndiGo flight disruptions; appeals for pilot cooperation

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday issued a fresh order partially relaxing the Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) norms, offering airlines long-sought relief amid severe disruptions across IndiGo’s network.

The regulator’s move confirms the exclusive report by Zee Business, which had earlier revealed that the government was considering easing FDTL provisions to stabilise operations. Under the new instruction, a pilot’s leave will now be counted as rest, overturning the previous clause that stated “no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest.” Earlier, pilots’ rest included a combination of 36 hours rest period plus a weekly off, but leave was not counted. The change is expected to improve crew availability and ease rostering challenges.

DGCA withdraws key restriction

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The regulator said the decision was taken “in view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations”.

“…the instruction contained in the referenced paragraph that no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority (CA).”

Also Read: Exclusive: Centre hauls up IndiGo as massive cancellations continue; temporary FDTL relief likely

ALPA protests: Calls dispensation ‘unsafe’

On the other hand, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) has strongly objected to the selective relaxations granted to IndiGo, claiming they compromise safety. In a letter to the DGCA, ALPA said, “On the pretext of passenger inconvenience, IndiGo is seeking relief despite having knowingly increased their winter operations while being fully aware of the Phase II implementation of the FDTL CAR.”

ALPA also flagged that even Phase II already offered transitional relaxations, yet further concessions were made exclusively to IndiGo, creating potential risks to pilot alertness and flight safety.

DGCA's appeal for pilot cooperation

Meanwhile, DGCA has also issued an official appeal to all pilot associations and pilots urging collective support to stabilise operations amid ongoing disruptions. The letter highlighted:

• The ongoing pressures on the airline industry caused by the operational troubles of IndiGo, erratic weather conditions, and high seasonal demand.
• The coming of the fog season, holiday peak, and wedding travel season might raise the number of passengers and the difficulties in operation even more.
• The necessity for the crew to have stable operations, to cut down on delays that could have been avoided and to make sure that the passengers are safe.
• Establishing a good connection between the pilots and the airlines in order to handle the situation in a proactive way.

The appeal emphasised, “Let us collectively ensure that air travel remains safe, reliable, and minimally disrupted for the millions of passengers who depend on it.” DGCA reaffirmed its commitment to safety and FDTL CAR implementation in letter and spirit, stressing pilots’ professional role in keeping air travel smooth during challenging times.

Also Read: IndiGo Flight Chaos Deepens: 1,000+ flights cancelled in 36 hours, sparking political and safety concerns

IndiGo operations in freefall

IndiGo is facing one of its toughest operational crises, with more than 400 flights cancelled on Friday. Passengers were stranded for up to three days, and many flights were delayed by over 12 hours, causing chaos at airports and complaints about lost baggage.

The problems are due to a severe shortage of pilots and gaps in flight scheduling. The situation is now being partially eased by the revised FDTL rules, which count leave as rest along with the 36-hour rest period and weekly off. Authorities are keeping a close watch as flight cancellations enter their fourth day in a row.