IndiGo and Air India Announce Phased Implementation of Revised Flight Duty Norms Starting June 2025

IndiGo and Air India have informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that they can only implement the revised flight duty norms for pilots gradually, starting in June next year, according to sources. These new regulations aim to provide more rest time for pilots to address concerns about fatigue. Initially, the rules were set to take effect on June 1 this year but were postponed.

The Indian Pilots Guild, Indian Commercial Pilots Association, and Federation of Indian Pilots have urged the DGCA to fully implement the norms by February 15, as per sources. IndiGo has proposed starting the implementation from June next year, increasing pilots' weekly rest from 36 to 40 hours. The airline plans to evaluate the impact and may further increase rest periods after June 2025.

Implementation Plans and Challenges

IndiGo also plans to limit night landings for pilots to two between midnight and 5 am from October 2026, under certain conditions. The airline estimates a three per cent increase in crew requirements due to these changes. Meanwhile, Air India has suggested a phased implementation beginning in June 2025 for a smoother transition.

Air India has raised concerns about the practical implications of the new night duty definition and increased rest periods. The airline believes these changes are best managed within a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS). However, it also noted that prescriptive regulations might not fully address fatigue risks or be validated by data specific to its operations.

Regulatory Discussions and Future Steps

Sources indicated that the revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) is separate from FRMS and should not be combined. Earlier this month, during a Delhi High Court hearing on pilot fatigue norms, DGCA was asked to meet with pilot associations, airlines, and the ministry on December 18. During this meeting, airlines expressed their views and requested more time for implementing the norms.

On March 26, DGCA postponed the CAR's implementation initially set for June 1. This decision came less than two weeks after informing airlines that there would be no delay in the deadline. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities involved in balancing operational needs with pilot well-being.