Airlines Get Relief As DGCA Relaxes FDTL Rules For Long-Haul Operations

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has given temporary relaxations on the norms of Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) of long-haul flights.

The relief will continue until the end of April as the authorities seek to stabilise operations in global airspace in the face of interference caused by disruptions.

The move comes as airlines are grappling with crew supply as a result of current geopolitical tensions.

What Changes Have Been Announced?

The relaxations apply to long-haul flights operated with two pilots.

Under the revised norms:

• Flight Time (FT) has been increased by 1.30 hours to 11.30 hours.

• Flight Duty Period (FDP) has been extended by 1.45 hours to 11.45 hours.

‘Flight Time’ refers to the duration from the start of movement for take-off until the aircraft comes to a complete stop after landing.

These changes are aimed at improving operational flexibility for airlines.

Why Has DGCA Taken This Step?

The relocation is aimed at handling crew shortages and keeping flight schedules steady, especially with airspace conditions still uncertain due to the Iran conflict.

This follows the disruption seen in December 2025. IndiGo had run into operational issues after stricter FDTL norms came into effect.

The crew needed more rest. Flying hours were cut. That put pressure on staffing. As a result, flights were cancelled and overall operations took a hit.

Those norms were introduced by the regulator to combat the fatigue of pilots and enhance the safety level.

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The Key Takeaway

For airlines, the temporary relaxation provides short-term operational relief by improving crew utilisation and reducing the risk of flight disruptions.

The move indicates regulatory support to maintain stability in the aviation sector during periods of uncertainty. However, it also highlights the balance between operational efficiency and safety norms that airlines will need to manage.

Sources:

The Times of India

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