DGCA Warns Air India Over Pilot Duty Rule Violations
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a strong warning to Air India after detecting violations of flight duty time limitations for pilots on two international services earlier this year. The issue came to light following inspections of operational records for the airline’s long-haul routes.
What Happened?
According to the DGCA, two Bengaluru–London flights (AI133) operated on May 16 and May 17 exceeded the maximum permissible 10-hour flight duty period set under the civil aviation regulations. These rules are designed to ensure pilot rest periods are maintained to safeguard passenger safety. The regulator issued a show-cause notice to the airline, but found its explanation unsatisfactory, leading to an official warning.
DGCA’s Action
The warning was addressed directly to Air India’s Chief Executive Officer, who also serves as the Accountable Manager under DGCA norms. The regulator stressed the importance of maintaining strict adherence to crew duty and rest requirements, reminding the airline that any compromise on such safety-critical regulations would invite stricter action in the future.
Airline’s Explanation
Air India has attributed the breach to a “different interpretation” of a special exemption that had been in effect during the closure of Pakistan’s airspace, which forced rerouting of certain flights. The airline stated that the rostering system was adjusted immediately once the issue was identified, and that it has since ensured complete compliance with the latest DGCA guidelines.
The incident has reignited discussions within the aviation sector about the importance of consistent compliance with flight duty norms, particularly on long-haul operations where fatigue risks are higher.
