Archive · 14 Aug 2025
DGCA Issues Warning to Air India Over Pilot Duty Violations
The aviation regulator, DGCA, is not happy with Air India because they used special rules for pilot hours in a way they weren't supposed to.
These rules were meant to help with flights that had to change routes due to Pakistan closing its airspace.
Air India used these rules even for flights that weren't affected.
They also flew pilots longer and sometimes reduced the crew.
The DGCA sent a warning and said Air India's explanation was not good enough, but Air India said it was a misunderstanding and they have fixed the issue.
DGCA warned Air India for misusing pilot duty time exemptions.
Air India applied exemptions to flights not affected by airspace closure.
The airline reduced cockpit crew from three to two on some flights.
The DGCA issued a show-cause notice and found Air India's explanation unsatisfactory.
Air India attributed the issue to differing interpretations and corrected rostering.
- Who
- DGCA, Air India, Campbell Wilson.
- What
- DGCA warning to Air India for misusing pilot duty exemptions.
- When
- Exemptions granted in April 2025; violations on May 16 and 17, 2025; Show-Cause Notice issued nine days after Ahmedabad crash (after May 25, 2025).
- Where
- Bengaluru–London flights, Pakistan airspace.
- Why
- Air India misused pilot duty time exemptions and violated regulations.
DGCA
Air India
Interpretation of Regulations
DGCA
Air India misused pilot duty exemptions.
Air India
Air India's actions were due to differing interpretations.
- Airline
- Air India
- Regulator
- DGCA
- Violation
- Pilot duty time regulations
- Flights Involved
- Bengaluru–London
- Date of Flights
- May 16 and 17, 2025
- Exemption Granted
- Pilot duty hours
- DGCA action
- Show-cause notice and warning
Sources
Ban on non-scheduled flights at Delhi airport on Aug 15
Delhi Airport Bans Non-Scheduled Flights During Key Hours On August 15
Independence Day 2025: Delhi Airport barrs landings and takeoffsduring key hours on Aug 15 – All you need to know
DGCA Issues Warning To Air India, Seeks Stricter Compliance