India’s aviation regulator DGCA has given IndiGo a one-time temporary exemption on the classification of night duty hours and operations encroaching night duty, effective until February 10. The DGCA also withdrew a rule restricting airlines from counting pilot leave as weekly rest, offering partial relief amid ongoing operational disruptions across the network.
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
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One-time exemption: Relief on classification of night duty hours and operations encroaching night duty until Feb 10.
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Weekly rest rule change: DGCA withdraws bar on counting pilot leave as weekly rest to improve roster flexibility.
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Partial relief rationale: Measures aim to mitigate disruptions while preserving safety standards and fatigue compliance.
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Oversight continues: DGCA maintains real-time monitoring; carriers expected to align staffing and scheduling through the transition.
Sources: Firstpost, Business TodayBusiness Today+1, Moneycontrol