IndiGo Calls for Pilot Duty Rules Review
IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia has called for a review of India’s pilot duty rules, arguing that the current framework reduces cockpit productivity, raises operating costs and weakens the competitiveness of domestic airlines.
IndiGo Seeks Pilot Duty Rules Review
Bhatia said India’s Flight Duty Time Limitations should be aligned more closely with international practices. He maintained that airlines were not seeking weaker safety standards but wanted regulations that balanced pilot welfare with operational efficiency.
According to Bhatia, reduced cockpit productivity directly affects airline costs in an industry operating on narrow margins. He argued that rules differing significantly from global benchmarks could place Indian carriers at a competitive disadvantage.
Revised FDTL Norms Limit Night Flying
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation introduced the revised FDTL framework in phases during 2025 to address pilot fatigue and improve flight safety.
The regulations increased mandatory weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours, tightened restrictions on consecutive night duties and reduced the number of permitted night landings. Duty calculations were also revised to better account for fatigue and pilots’ circadian rhythms.
Pilot associations have supported the changes, describing stronger fatigue safeguards as necessary for aviation safety. Airlines, however, have warned that the rules require additional pilots and increase staffing and operational expenses.
IndiGo Disruptions Renew Aviation Debate
IndiGo faced widespread disruption in December 2025, cancelling 2,507 flights over three days. The aviation regulator attributed the crisis to excessive operational optimisation, inadequate preparedness, software deficiencies and weaknesses in management and operational control.
The regulator temporarily relaxed some requirements for IndiGo until February 10, 2026, while directing the airline to reduce its winter schedule by 10%.
IndiGo has since resumed full compliance. Bhatia’s comments have renewed debate over whether the regulations can be revised without compromising protections against pilot fatigue.
