DGCA temporarily eases pilot duty norms for long-haul flights, says official

Aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has temporarily eased pilot flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms for long-haul operations, a senior official said on Tuesday.The move is intended to ensure adequate pilot availability and maintain smooth flight operations, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Asangba Chuba Ao, said during a media briefing, as quoted by news agency PTI.This confirmation comes weeks after PTI sources indicated that Directorate General of Civil Aviation had granted temporary relaxations in flight duty norms for Air India’s long-haul operations, as the carrier was forced to take longer routes to Europe and North America due to airspace restrictions over Iran and Iraq amid the ongoing conflict.The exemptions, valid until April 30, allow extended flight time and duty periods for two-pilot operations, along with flexibility in roster planning, to help maintain schedules despite increased flying hours. The move comes as airlines globally face disruptions and higher operational strain due to the Middle East crisis.Overall, the situation in the region remains tense as Trump's deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz nears. Trump has warned that "a whole civilisation will die" in a stark wanring for Iran if they don't comply. Meanwhile, several attacks on IRan's key bridges and strategic Kharg Island have been reported.