In a move that has sparked opposition from India’s leading airlines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)’s proposal to reduce night flying hours for pilots to address fatigue has been met with resistance from both IndiGo and the Air India Group. In letters to the regulator, the airlines highlighted operational challenges and requested alternate timelines or conditions for implementing the changes.
IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share, has outright rejected the proposal, citing its potentially “severe operational impact.” The airline emphasized that such restrictions could disrupt schedules, reduce aircraft utilization, and ultimately affect its ability to maintain efficiency in an already competitive aviation market. Air India Group, on the other hand, expressed conditional support but insisted that the change should only be implemented after the DGCA introduces an advanced, data-based fatigue management system. Such a system would allow a scientific assessment of pilot fatigue and optimize the balance between safety and operational needs.
The DGCA’s recommendations, issued in January 2024 as part of revised norms for pilot rest and duty hours, were designed to address growing concerns over pilot fatigue and its impact on flight safety. Among the proposed measures was the reduction of night flying hours and an increase in weekly rest periods for pilots from 36 to 48 hours. These changes, initially scheduled to take effect from June 1, 2024, were postponed following resistance from airlines and subsequent consultations.
In addition to rejecting the night flying proposal, airlines have also delayed the implementation of extended weekly rest periods. IndiGo has proposed a staggered approach, with changes beginning in June 2025 and fully implemented by July 2026. Air India Group has suggested a similar timeline, indicating readiness to comply with the increased rest requirements starting in mid-2025.
The DGCA initially paused the implementation of the new norms in March 2024 after airlines raised concerns about the operational and financial implications. Following this, the regulator sought detailed timelines for implementation from the carriers. The airlines recently submitted their responses, nearly nine months after the initial request, further delaying the process.
The revised norms were developed in response to global best practices and increasing awareness of fatigue-related risks in aviation. Night flights are known to contribute significantly to pilot fatigue due to disruptions in natural sleep patterns, potentially affecting performance. However, airlines argue that blanket restrictions without supporting systems like data-based fatigue management could lead to inefficiencies and disruptions without adequately addressing the core issue.
The standoff highlights the balancing act between safety and operational feasibility in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector. While pilot unions and safety experts have welcomed the DGCA’s focus on fatigue management, airlines remain concerned about the practicality of implementing such measures without compromising their operational capabilities. The debate underscores the need for collaboration between regulators and the industry to prioritize both safety and efficiency in the evolving landscape of Indian aviation.
