7 months ago
Airlines Seek FDTL Norms Relaxation Amid Crisis
Big airlines in India like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and AirAsia had a meeting with the government.
They want the rules about how long pilots can work to be relaxed.
These rules were made stricter to keep pilots from getting too tired.
But the airlines say the new rules are too hard to follow.
IndiGo had a big problem in December 2025 when they had to cancel over 5,000 flights because they didn't have enough pilots.
The government fined them a lot of money.
Now, the airlines are asking for more time to adjust to the new rules.
They promise they will be ready by February 10, 2026.
The government is also looking into how to balance safety and the needs of the airlines.
IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and AirAsia met with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to seek permanent relaxation of FDTL norms.
IndiGo was fined ₹22.20 crore for failing to comply with new FDTL norms, leading to over 5,000 flight cancellations in December 2025.
The airlines argue that the current FDTL norms are unsustainable and are seeking a permanent relaxation.
IndiGo assured the regulator that it would stabilize its crew management systems by February 10, 2026.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee session was held to address the nationwide aviation crisis and form an Empowered Committee to assess pilots' demands.
- Who
- IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, AirAsia (AIX Connect)
- What
- Seeking relaxation in FDTL norms
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- When
- January 19, 2026
- Why
- To address operational challenges and pilot rostering issues
Key facts
- Meeting Date
- January 19, 2026
- Fine Imposed on IndiGo
- ₹22.20 crore
- Flight Cancellations in December 2025
- Over 5,000
- Temporary FDTL Relaxation Expiry
- February 10, 2026
- Airlines Involved
- IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, AirAsia (AIX Connect)
- Committee Formation
- Empowered Committee to assess pilots' demands
- Parliamentary Standing Committee Session
- December 19, 2025
Quotes
Another official
Another government official speaking to Hindustan Times
“Airlines have maintained that the second phase of the FDTL rules is not feasible over the long term. However, the government has not taken a decision yet.”
CNBC TV 18
“Airlines have requested certain relaxations in the newly implemented FDTL norms. Discussions are ongoing.”
CNBC TV 18
An airline executive
An airline executive speaking anonymously to Hindustan Times
“The new FDTL norms require hiring additional pilots, which adds to costs. Relaxations are being discussed in the interest of the sector's growth.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
Major airlines urge govt to relax new pilot rest norms
Major Airlines Seek Relaxation In FDTL Norms Citing New Pilot Rest Rules 'Unsustainable'
Four years under Tata, Air India still in recovery mode. How does it stack up against IndiGo?
IndiGo, Air India losses show what happens when airlines ignore customers
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