Regulator extends flying hours as West Asia conflict forces longer routes
India’s aviation watchdog has introduced temporary changes to working hours for flight crews on extended international routes. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued these relaxations specifically for Air India as the carrier struggles with significant rerouting. Because of the escalating military situation in West Asia, planes can no longer fly over certain territories, necessitating much longer journeys around the restricted zones.
Adjustments to Flight and Duty Schedules
Under the new temporary guidelines, the maximum duration a pilot can spend in the cockpit has been increased. For long-haul operations utilizing a two-pilot crew, the permitted Flight Time has grown by 90 minutes, reaching a total of 11.30 hours. Additionally, the overall Flight Duty Period—which tracks a crew member from the moment they report for work until the engines are cut—has been pushed to 11.45 hours. These adjustments are currently slated to remain in effect until the end of April.
Middle East Turmoil Impacts Global Travel
Avoidance of Iranian and Iraqi airspace has become a necessity for safety, forcing Air India to utilize paths over Egypt and Southern Saudi Arabia. Some of the most grueling ultra-long-haul trips are even requiring unscheduled technical stops in cities like Rome to refuel or switch crews. While these measures keep passengers safe from the conflict below, they add hours to travel times, pushing the original labor frameworks to their limits.
Allegations of Exceeding New Limits
Despite the extra leeway provided by the regulator, reports suggest some flight plans might already be stretching the new boundaries. Sources indicate that certain routes to Jeddah are being scheduled with duty periods that surpass even the relaxed 11.45-hour cap by several minutes. Furthermore, the mandatory 30-minute buffer typically used during the roster planning phase has been waived, raising questions among industry insiders about crew fatigue during this high-pressure period.
With Agency Inputs and Info from Public Domain
