Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Pilots demand withdrawal of duty relaxations for safety
The Federation of Indian Pilots, which represents about 5,000 pilots in India, has asked the government to take back some special rules that allow airlines to have longer working hours for pilots.
They say these rules are not safe for passengers.
The pilots also want the government to check regularly how airlines are hiring new pilots.
Some airlines, like IndiGo and Air India, were given these special rules for their flights, including more night landings and longer work times for two pilots on certain planes.
The pilots say these rules were made to help airlines make more money, not to keep passengers safe.
They want the government to make sure that airlines only plan flights when they have enough pilots and other necessary staff.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) called for the withdrawal of all relaxations granted to airlines on pilots' duty and rest periods.
FIP urged the Union Civil Aviation Minister to ensure periodic review of pilot recruitment by the DGCA.
DGCA had provided relaxations to domestic carriers, including IndiGo and Air India, under the new FDTL framework.
Relaxations include allowances for more night landings and extended duty time for two-pilot operations on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
FIP emphasized that future aircraft schedules must be planned based on the availability of pilots, cabin crew, ground staff, engineers, infrastructure, and parking slots.
- Who
- Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP)
- What
- Called for withdrawal of duty relaxations for pilots
- When
- 19 December
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure passenger safety and avoid compromising safety standards
- Organization
- Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP)
- Number of Pilots Represented
- 5,000
- Regulatory Body
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Airlines Affected
- IndiGo, Air India
- Aircraft Model
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Date of Letter
- 19 December