Aviation Regulator Clarifies No Dilution In Weekly Rest For Pilots
Aviation safety remains a top priority as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) clarified its stance on pilot fatigue management. In a recent submission to the Delhi High Court, the regulator emphasized that every airline must provide mandatory weekly rest periods to its pilots. The DGCA firmly stated that no carrier has been given a free pass to bypass these safety-critical regulations.
The legal discussion arose following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Sabari Roy Lenka and others. The petition challenged the DGCA's decision to temporarily pause certain aspects of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules. These updated guidelines, introduced in 2025, were designed to align Indian aviation with global safety standards by increasing rest hours and limiting exhausting night shifts.
During the hearing, the court was informed that while IndiGo received a very specific, short-term relaxation for certain night operations, this window expires on February 10. This minor adjustment was made to manage a surge in flight cancellations and passenger delays experienced in late 2025. However, the DGCA maintained that the core requirement for weekly rest has never been suspended or weakened.
The petitioners also raised concerns regarding passenger rights and the branding of airlines. They argued that the "low-cost carrier" label is not a recognized legal classification and should not be used as an excuse to deny passengers basic amenities like meals or hotel stays during cancellations.
A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya has now issued notices to the Union Government, the DGCA, and IndiGo. With the next hearing scheduled in four weeks, the focus remains on whether airlines are prioritizing operational convenience over the mental and physical health of their flight crews. For travelers in regions like Odisha, these developments are crucial as they directly impact flight reliability and air safety.
Image Source: Aviation Today
