After a prolonged legal battle spanning six years, the Delhi High Court on Monday, April 7, 2025, disposed of a case concerning pilot duty hours and rest regulations, following a formal undertaking by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to implement new norms starting July 1.
The petition, spearheaded by Indian commercial pilots, had sought reforms in flight duty time limitations (FDTL) and rest periods, citing fatigue-related safety concerns. Pilots argued that the current guidelines were outdated and inconsistent with global best practices, often leading to excessive fatigue and compromised operational safety.
In response, the DGCA confirmed that the revised FDTL framework — which includes reduced maximum duty hours, longer mandatory rest periods, and improved rostering practices — will come into effect on July 1, 2025. This commitment paved the way for the High Court to dispose of the matter, marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation safety landscape.
The updated norms are expected to bring India closer to international standards, aligning more closely with ICAO and EASA guidelines. Industry observers note that this move not only prioritizes flight safety but also responds to a long-standing demand from pilots for fair and science-based duty regulations.
While airlines will now need to adjust schedules and crew management systems accordingly, the consensus across the industry is that the changes are a step in the right direction. Enhanced pilot well-being, experts say, will translate into safer skies for millions of passengers flying across India and beyond.
