IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have flagged concerns over the DGCA’s proposed cabin crew rest rules, calling them more restrictive than global standards. The draft Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) on Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), released in October 2025, limits operational flexibility, prompting airlines to seek practical revisions. The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has submitted recommendations emphasizing globally aligned and evidence-based norms.
Restrictive Provisions: Airlines say the draft norms are stricter than international standards, potentially affecting crew scheduling.
Operational Flexibility: Current proposals could limit airlines’ ability to optimize flights and rest periods for crew.
FIA Recommendations: The federation has urged DGCA to adopt evidence-based and globally harmonized rules.
Safety and Practicality: FIA stresses that the norms should balance safety requirements with real-world operational feasibility.
