Relaxed pilot duty time rules to be fully implemented by November 1: DGCA

NEW DELHI: India will by Saturday (Nov 1) implement relaxed flight duty time rules for pilots to ensure that the cockpit crew operating flights are not fatigued, giving an impetus to flight safety. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Wednesday said the seven remaining clauses of the revised "flight duty time limitations" (FDTL) will be implemented from Nov 1. Fifteen clauses of the relaxed rules were implemented on July 1, 2025.
Pilots of big Indian carriers had long complained about their punishing rosters that left them fatigued. They have long warned that having a fatigued pilots in the flight deck adversely impacts safety.

"The implementation of (relaxed FDTL rules) has been undertaken in a structured and phased manner, taking into consideration flight safety, operational feasibility, and the overall dynamics of civil aviation operations," the DGCA said in a statement.

Out of the total provisions, 15 clauses were implemented on July 1, 2025, and the remaining seven clauses are to be enforced by Nov 1.

"In phase I, the focus was on introducing 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 return from leave."

"In phase II, while the core safety provisions have been implemented in substance, limited operational variations have been permitted after detailed review and justification. These are specific to operational factors such as early sunrise and extended daylight hours in the eastern region (Guwahati flight information region).... The variations are transitional in nature, aimed at ensuring a smooth and safe operational transition without compromising the regulatory intent. These variations are to be reviewed with the operators after a period of six month from date of implementation."

"This calibrated and reasoned implementation approach reflects DGCA’s commitment to aviation safety, while maintaining operational stability. Such phased implementation, along with limited and temporary adjustments, is consistent with established regulatory practices," the regulator added.

FDTL exemption given to Air India Boeing 787 for Europe flights:
The DGCA Wednesday said it has given a one-time exemption to Air India for Boeing 787 Dreamliner from FDTL rules "for a limited number of flights operated on the B787 fleet to Europe during the winter season."
"The exemption has been accorded based on specific operational reasons cited on flights impacted by longer routing due to Pakistan airspace closure, primarily arising from anticipated changes in wind patterns during the winter months which may marginally increase flight time on certain sectors.

Under this exemption, a limited extension of up to 30 minutes in-flight time and up to one hour in flight duty period (FDP) has been permitted only in case where the flight time & duty period increases after departure.
It is clarified that this exemption is not applicable for flight planning purposes, and the existing regulatory limits of 10 hours of flight time and 13 hours of Flight Duty Period (FDP) for two-crew operations remain unchanged," the DGCA said.

"For these operations, monthly fatigue reports are being sought from the operators, and there will be no training carried out on these flights in which the exemption is sought. Additionally one hour extra rest is to be given to the flight crew as a mitigation for affected flight(s). This one-time exemption is restricted to only nine flights on the Boeing 787 European sectors and has been granted after due consideration, justification, and in compliance with safety oversight requirements for the winter schedule."


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