Politics · India · 2 hrs ago
DGCA says pilot duty rule variations will end in March 2027
India’s aviation regulator has told airlines that no variations to pilot duty and rest rules will be allowed from March 2027.
The change comes when the second phase of Flight Duty Time Limitations takes full effect, with rules focused largely on night operations.
These limits set how long pilots can work and how much rest they must receive, to reduce fatigue and improve flight safety.
The second phase was first due in November 2025 but was delayed after IndiGo’s operational disruption.
More than 1.04 million passengers were affected by flight cancellations in December, over 93% of them on IndiGo flights.
Airlines are now expected to plan crew numbers and schedules to meet the rules, while some temporary relaxations are due to expire on October 31 and may be extended.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has told airlines that variations to pilot duty and rest rules will end when the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations rules takes full effect in March 2027.
The second phase, which focuses largely on night operations, was originally due to begin in November 2025 but was deferred after IndiGo’s operational disruption.
Airlines have been directed to plan crew rosters and operations to comply with the rules.
Pilot groups have urged the regulator to implement the rules without further temporary variations.
The rules set limits on pilots’ duty periods and consecutive duties, and minimum rest requirements, to address fatigue and improve flight safety.
- Who
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation told airlines that variations to pilot duty and rest rules will end. Pilot groups have also called for full implementation.
- What
- Variations to the rules will not be allowed when the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations rules takes full effect.
- When
- March 2027. The second phase was originally scheduled for November 2025.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The rules are intended to address pilot fatigue and improve flight safety.
Airlines seeking variations
Pilot groups seeking full implementation
Temporary variations
Airlines seeking variations
Airlines had sought variations to several provisions, including a change to the definition of night duty.
Pilot groups seeking full implementation
Pilot groups urged the regulator to avoid further temporary variations.
Readiness for the second phase
Airlines seeking variations
Airlines previously sought changes to the rules.
Pilot groups seeking full implementation
Pilot groups said airlines had sufficient time to increase pilot strength and revise scheduling, and that IndiGo and Air India had adequate pilot strength.
The FDTL Civil Aviation Requirements were dated.
The first phase of the FDTL rules took effect.
The second phase was due to take effect but was deferred after IndiGo’s operational collapse.
Pilot group representatives met with the DGCA and urged it to avoid further temporary variations.
Minutes of the July meeting were issued.
The second phase is set to take full effect, ending variations to the rules.
- Regulator
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Full implementation
- March 2027
- First phase
- Took effect July 1, 2025
- Second phase original start
- November 1, 2025
- Pilot group meeting
- July 13, 2026
- Meeting minutes issued
- August 13, 2026
What people are saying
Airlines have been informed that all variations to DGCA rules will end when full FDTL are implemented in March