Delhi High Court Ruling
- New norms to be implemented: Liberalised duty and rest norms by DGCA (Jan 2024) to come into effect from July 1, 2025.
- Key provisions effective July 2025:
- Weekly rest increased from 36 to 48 hours.
- Airlines must submit quarterly fatigue complaint reports.
- Provisions effective by Nov 1, 2025:
- Night duty redefined: 00:00–06:00 hrs (earlier 00:00–05:00 hrs).
- Cap on landings: Max two landings during night duty.
- Reduced duty hours: Max 8 hours flying or 10 hours total duty on night duty.
- Special dispensation time reduced: From 3 hours to 2 hours in unforeseen circumstances.
Relevance : GS 2 (Social Issues) , GS 1(Society)
Why did pilots demand more rest?
- Increased workload post COVID-19:
- Upto 4 landings/day; 10 hours flying, 12–13 hours total duty.
- Approaches and landings demand high concentration.
- Circadian rhythm disruption:
- Two consecutive night flights affect natural body clock.
- 02:00–06:00 hrs toughest window (circadian low).
- Rosters issues:
- Erratic schedules: Sudden shift changes affect rest planning.
- Example: 10 AM duty changed to 4 PM ending at 2 AM, disrupting rest cycles.
- Cockpit conditions causing fatigue:
- Poor air flow, restricted movement, low light, noise, and pressure changes.
- Pilots often sleep 1.5–2.5 hours inside cockpit during short-haul flights.
Leave and Duty Structure
- Monthly flying hours: 50–90 hours; Total duty: 140–150 hours.
- Leave entitlements:
- Air India: 6 casual, 12 sick, 30 privilege leaves (PL) (apply a year in advance).
- IndiGo: 42 PLs (Captains), 22 PLs (First Officers).
- Weekly rest: Only on the 8th day (as per DGCA norms).
- No public holidays for pilots.
Why did airlines oppose the relaxed rules?
- Operational challenges:
- Need to hire more pilots → Increased costs & time.
- Potential flight cancellations and fare hikes.
- Cost pressures:
- Post-pandemic: Higher airport tariffs and lease costs (+20–30%).
- Crew expenses: 3rd largest airline cost (8.7%).
- Airline profit margins slim: $7 profit/passenger (IATA, 2025 projection).
Airline Responses
- Air India:
- Claims robust Fatigue Risk Management (FRM) system in place.
- Uses Jeppesen Boeing Alertness Model (BAM) for fatigue analysis.
- Maintains a non-punitive, confidential fatigue reporting system.
- Has 3,500+ pilots—claims adequate staff for existing fleet.
- IndiGo: No official comments on fatigue management practices.
Triggering incidents & pilot concerns
- Pilot deaths: IndiGo pilot’s cardiac arrest (Aug 2023) highlighted fatigue risks.
- Reduced pay driving longer hours:
- Air India’s fixed pay now 40 flying hours (down from 70 hours) → Pilots fly more to earn.
- International comparison:
- DGCA norms based on U.S. & EU standards but Indian pilots lack union negotiation rights.
Future Outlook
- Demand for pilots rising:
- India’s fastest-growing aviation market; 1,000 aircraft on order (Air India & IndiGo) by 2035.
- Need for pilot utilisation vs. fatigue management will intensify.
Bottom line: Pilots are seeking more rest due to excessive workloads, erratic rosters, and circadian disruption impacting safety and health. Airlines cite operational and cost concerns but face pressure to prioritise pilot well-being amidst rising travel demand.
