Pilot Body Flags Safety Concerns Over DGCA’s Relaxations for IndiGo

Pilot Association Objects to DGCA’s Relaxation of FDTL Rules for IndiGo

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) has expressed concern over the DGCA’s decision to grant IndiGo selective relaxations in the implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. In a formal letter, ALPA stated that the exemption allows IndiGo to operate beyond the safety parameters outlined in the regulations.

The association noted that airlines had nearly two years to prepare for the updated rules and questioned why disruptions emerged soon after Phase II came into effect. ALPA also highlighted that the revised norms were introduced to address pilot fatigue and maintain flight safety, and warned that easing these limits could affect both crew well-being and operational stability.

The letter urges the regulator to reconsider the dispensation and ensure uniform application of safety standards across all airlines.