The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted flight paths, forcing Air India to undertake longer routes. To manage these operational challenges, the DGCA has granted temporary relaxation in ‘Flight Duty Time Limitations’ (FDTL) for Air India pilots. However, this move has met with stiff resistance from pilot unions.

The New Regulations:

• Extended Flying Time: Pilots are now permitted to fly for up to 11 hours and 30 minutes, an increase of 90 minutes.
• Extended Duty Period: The total duty limit has been increased by 1 hour and 45 minutes, reaching a maximum of 14 hours and 45 minutes, effective until April 30.

The Pilot Federation’s Stance: The Federation of Indian Pilots has issued a strong letter to the DGCA, warning that exceeding 13 hours of duty significantly impairs decision-making abilities. They argue that landing complex aircraft after prolonged periods of fatigue is a major safety hazard. Furthermore, pilots highlighted that Boeing 787 seats do not recline fully, compounding physical exhaustion during long hauls. While Air India has pledged an extra four hours of rest, the aviation community remains deeply concerned about passenger safety.