Indian aviation giants IndiGo and the Air India group have formally requested the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to implement a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) before the full implementation of the newly proposed Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules for pilots. The airlines have expressed concerns that the new regulations, which include significant changes to night flying hours, landing restrictions, and an increase in mandatory weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours, could create operational challenges without an effective fatigue management system in place.
In letters sent to the DGCA earlier this month, both IndiGo and Air India outlined their proposed phased timelines for implementing the FDTL changes, suggesting a gradual rollout starting from June 2025. The phased approach is seen as necessary to give airlines adequate time to adjust to the new regulations while ensuring the safety and well-being of their crews.
The most contentious aspects of the new FDTL rules include the reduction in allowable night flying hours and restrictions on landings, which airlines argue could severely impact their operational efficiency. Additionally, the proposed increase in mandatory weekly rest periods for pilots would require airlines to make significant adjustments to crew scheduling, potentially affecting flight operations and increasing costs.
Both IndiGo and Air India have stressed the importance of introducing a robust Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) to mitigate the risk of pilot fatigue, which could be exacerbated by the new FDTL rules. An FRMS would involve a data-driven approach to managing crew fatigue and ensuring that pilots are well-rested and fit for duty, which the airlines believe is critical for the successful implementation of the new regulations.
As the DGCA reviews the airlines’ proposals, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of pilot duty regulations in India. The outcome could set a precedent for how fatigue management and flight duty limitations are handled across the Indian aviation industry.
