Pilots' body writes to DGCA over 'selective' relaxation to IndiGo: 'Seeking relief under pretext of passenger inconvenience'

The Airlines Pilots' Association of India on Friday raised strong objections to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) decision to grant IndiGo relaxation on the implementation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules amid widespread disruption and cancellation of flights.

In a letter to the aviation watchdog, the pilots' body said that it is disappointing that selective dispensations were granted to IndiGo Airlines in respect of the implementation of the revised FDTL CAR (Phase II).

The letter comes after DGCA eased the flight duty norms by allowing substitution of pilots' leaves with a weekly rest period amid massive operational disruptions at IndiGo.

"This decision, taken despite repeated representations, formal letters, and direct discussions with your esteemed office, has undermined the very spirit of the FDTL regulations and gravely compromised the safety of the flying public," the body said.

It said that during its meeting with DGCA on November 24, it was agreed that no dispensation, exemption or variation would be granted to any operator.

"The consensus was clear: FDTL norms exist solely to safeguard human life, and any dilution of these limits would expose pilots, passengers, and aircraft to unacceptable risks," it said.

The APAI condemned the "complete contradiction" to the understanding, pointing to the "selective dispensation" given to IndiGo for Phase II implementation.

It further lashed out at the airline for seeking relief under the pretext of "passenger inconvenience", adding that they knew it in advance and still increased their winter operations.

"All operators had almost two years to implement the new FDTL, and that too in two phases. Even with this ample time, IndiGo failed to organise its roster and instead increased its operations for Winter 2025 which was approved by your office," it said.

It further added: "What is even more alarming is that Phase II itself already includes many dispensations tailor-made for operators selectively, intended as a transitional relaxation to assist operators."

The pilots body further said that their strongest objection was around the nature of the dispensations granted to the low-cost carrier. "Not only has the night definition been relaxed, but the permitted number of landings encroaching night operations has been doubled, from two to four, directly contradicting the original CAR issued by the DGCA," it said.

Appeal by DGCA

The letter comes after the DGCA urged the pilots' body for cooperation amid widespread operational issues affecting flights.

"As we now approach the fog season, the peak holiday period, and the marriage travel season, it is crucial that the industry prepares for even greater operational challenges. Passenger volumes are expected to rise sharply, and weather-related impacts may further complicate scheduling and flight safety," the DGCA said, requesting "full cooperation" of all pilot bodies to mitigate the crisis.

It urged the pilos to maintain stable and smooth flight operations during the busy and weather-sensitive period; reduce avoidable delays and cancellations; ensure passengers are not further inconvenienced during a critical travel season; and strengthen coordination between pilots and airlines to manage the situation proactively and safely.

Earlier, citing IndiGo flight disruptions, sources told PTI that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to withdraw the provision 'no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest' from the FDTL norms.

The gaps in planning ahead of the implementation of the revised FDTL, the second phase of which came into force from November 1, have resulted in crew shortage at IndiGo and is one of the key reasons for the current disruptions.