DGCA grants IndiGo temporary relief on pilot night duty rules to stabilize operations

Regulatory update and operational impact

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo targeted, time-bound relief from parts of Phase-2 Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), specifically night duty classifications and operations extending into night hours. The order also withdraws the restriction on substituting weekly rest with pilot leave, to ease crew rostering pressures amid disruptions. DGCA characterized these steps as partial relief intended to stabilize operations while maintaining safety oversight and fatigue management complianceFirstpost+1.

 

The exemptions are valid until February 10, with DGCA continuing real-time monitoring of network performance and restoration efforts. Context: tightened FDTL rules introduced longer rest windows and stricter night duty limits; airlines, including IndiGo, faced transitional challenges that drove widespread cancellations and delays.

 

Key highlights

Sources: Firstpost, Business TodayBusiness Today+1, Moneycontrol