Pilot unions have urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to implement the new duty and rest regulations for pilots by February 15, 2025, rejecting the airline industry’s request for a phased rollout starting from June 2025. This demand was made during a meeting between DGCA officials and representatives from pilot unions, including the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, Indian Pilots Guild, and Federation of Indian Pilots, held in Delhi on Wednesday.
The meeting was convened under the guidance of the Delhi High Court, which has directed both the airlines and the pilot unions to reach a consensus on the timely rollout of the new regulations. Initially, the pilots had pushed for the immediate implementation of the rules, but later, they proposed the February 15 deadline as a compromise. The deadline is seen as crucial for ensuring pilots’ safety and well-being, as the new duty and rest norms are designed to address fatigue management and improve operational safety.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next month, during which the DGCA is expected to present its views on the proposed deadline. The outcome of these discussions will determine the final timeline for the rollout of the new rules, which are expected to significantly impact flight operations and pilot work conditions in India.