Domestic airlines are pushing for the phased implementation of new duty norms for pilots, as these will increase crewing requirements and impact their schedules.
In January, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation introduced new duty norms for pilots. These provide 48 hours of weekly rest (instead of the current 36) and restrict the number of flights a pilot can operate at night. The revised rules were to come into effect on June 1 but have been put on hold by the regulator due to objections from airlines.
In its submission to the DGCA earlier this month, IndiGo proposed increasing the weekly rest period from 36 to 40 hours from June 2025.
Also, the airline is opposing a proposed amendment to rules governing night operations. Under the revision, the number of landings a pilot can make will be restricted to two, and the definition of night will be changed from midnight to 6 a.m. instead of midnight to 5 a.m. IndiGo has said the proposed change in the night window will have a severe operational impact and has called for the retention of the current definition.
Air India, too, has voiced its concerns about the changes in rules. In a joint meeting of pilots and DGCA officials, Air India suggested that if new norms were implemented hastily, it could lead to flight cancellations due to insufficient crew availability. Air India pilot unions have opposed this contention.
The issue of pilot duty hours is before the Delhi High Court. During a hearing earlier this month, the court questioned DGCA on why the norms could not be notified before June 2025 since they were ready in January 2024. The court also asked DGCA, airlines, and pilots to reach a consensus regarding implementation timelines.