Archive · 27 Oct 2025
Pilots Voice Safety Concerns Over Extended Flight Duty
Pilots in India are worried about having to fly for longer hours on certain Boeing 787 flights.
The aviation authority, DGCA, has allowed pilots to work for a longer duration.
The pilots' union, ALPA-India, is concerned this could make pilots too tired and lead to mistakes.
The pilots also worry about a new rule limiting how much the pilot's seat can recline.
They want the aviation authority to reverse its decision and are asking for additional crew on long flights to ensure safety.
The DGCA states the decision was made to reduce flight disruptions.
DGCA extended flight duty hours for Boeing 787 pilots.
ALPA-India raised concerns over safety and fatigue.
Extension applies to eight international routes.
FAA restricts captain seat recline on Boeing 787.
ALPA India seeks withdrawal of FDTL extension.
- Who
- ALPA-India, DGCA
- What
- ALPA-India raised safety concerns over extended flight duty hours for Boeing 787 pilots.
- When
- Recently
- Where
- India
- Why
- Concerns over flight safety, fatigue management and adherence to safety regulations.
Pilots' Concerns
DGCA's Actions
Safety
Pilots' Concerns
Extended duty hours are unsafe and increase fatigue-related errors.
DGCA's Actions
Extension necessary to prevent flight disruptions and passenger inconvenience.
Crew Augmentation
Pilots' Concerns
Augmented crews are needed on long flights for safety.
DGCA's Actions
Two-pilot crews are sufficient.
- Issue
- Extended flight duty time for Boeing 787
- DGCA Action
- Extended Flight Duty Period to 14 hours & Flight Time to 10.5 hours on select routes
- Affected Routes
- 8 international routes, including Delhi-Copenhagen, Delhi-Milan, and others
- ALPA-India Concern
- Fatigue-induced errors, safety risk
- FAA Directive
- Restricts Boeing 787 captain seat recline
- Pilot Request
- Withdrawal of extension and augmented crews
Sources
'Increased Duty Hours, No Seat Recline': Why Pilots' Body Raised 'Grave Safety Concerns' with DGCA
‘Increased Duty Hours, No Seat Recline’: Pilots’ Body Flags Safety Concerns Over Boeing 787 Rules
ALPA India warns DGCA against longer Boeing 787 duty limits citing flight safety concerns
