DGCA relaxes flight duty norms for pilots amidst operational disruptions at Indigo

Mumbai December 5: Amidst massive operational disruptions at Indigo, the aviation regulator DGCA has relaxed flight duty norms on Friday, allowing pilots to take weekly rest periods instead of leaves. Under the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, there was a stipulation that no leave would replace weekly rest, implying that weekly rest periods and leaves were to be treated separately. This provision was originally included as part of efforts to address fatigue issues among pilots.

As per agency report, sources citing disruptions in Indigo flights stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has decided to withdraw the provision from the FDTL norms that prohibited leaves from being substituted for weekly rest. Indigo has been facing a severe shortage of crew members, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights following the implementation of the new FDTL standards.

In a letter issued on December 5, the DGCA noted that after considering the operational disruptions and the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations, as well as representations received from various airlines, it was deemed necessary to review the said provision. The second phase of the revised FDTL rules came into effect on November 1, and the inability to prepare for these changes on time has led to a massive shortage of crew members at Indigo.