Archive · 31 Jul 2026
IndiGo MD Calls for Review of Pilot Duty Rules
IndiGo’s boss, Rahul Bhatia, says the new rules that tell pilots how long they can fly are hurting the airline.
The rules, which started in November 2025, give pilots more rest but also make it harder for airlines to schedule flights.
Because of this, IndiGo had to cancel many flights in December 2025.
A pilot group says the rules are needed for safety.
Bhatia thinks the rules are too strict compared to other countries and want them to be changed.
The government is listening, but the debate is still going on.
IndiGo MD Rahul Bhatia urges a review of India’s Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, citing reduced cockpit productivity and higher costs.
Revised FDTL norms, effective November 2025, increased weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours, capped night flying, and adjusted duty calculations to address pilot fatigue.
IndiGo experienced operational disruptions, canceling 2,507 flights in December 2025, leading the DGCA to grant temporary relaxations until February 10.
Pilot association ALPA India defends the FDTL norms as essential safety measures, warning that diluting them would compromise safety.
Bhatia argues India’s regulations are too far from global benchmarks, making the aviation sector uncompetitive, while airlines seek a balance between safety and efficiency.
- Who
- IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia, DGCA, ALPA India
- What
- Call for a review of India's Flight Duty Time Limitations rules
- When
- July 30, 2026 (article date); rules effective November 2025
- Where
- India, New Delhi
- Why
- Rules reduce cockpit productivity, increase costs, and make aviation uncompetitive
- Regulation
- Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)
- Effective Date
- November 2025
- Weekly Rest Hours
- 48 hours
- Affected Airline
- IndiGo
- Regulatory Body
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
