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India’s aviation regulator has temporarily relaxed pilot flight duty time limitations (FDTL) for long-haul operations, in a move aimed at ensuring smoother flight schedules amid ongoing airspace disruptions.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended permissible flight time and duty periods for select long-haul flights operated with two pilots, particularly those affected by rerouting due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Under the revised norms, flight time has been increased by 1.5 hours to 11.5 hours, while the flight duty period has been extended by 1.75 hours. The relaxation will remain in effect until 30 April 2026.

Officials said the decision was taken to address operational challenges faced by airlines, especially Air India, which has been forced to reroute flights to Europe and North America to avoid restricted airspace over Iran and Iraq. These diversions, often via Egypt, have added between one and two hours to journey times, making adherence to standard duty limits difficult.

The airline had sought regulatory relief in March, citing operational constraints under existing FDTL norms. Typically, for long-haul flights with two pilots and a single landing, flight time is capped at 10 hours, while the duty period can extend up to 13 hours.

The temporary exemption also waives certain roster-related requirements, including the standard buffer period, and applies specifically to affected routes. Notably, no additional crew augmentation has been mandated under the revised framework.

FDTL regulations are designed to minimise pilot fatigue and ensure safety, with strict caps on daily, weekly and monthly flying hours, alongside mandatory rest periods. These include limits such as 35 flying hours per week, 125 hours per month and 1,000 hours annually, as well as prescribed weekly rest intervals.

While the relaxation offers operational flexibility, it comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of airline safety and crew management practices. Authorities have emphasised that the exemption is temporary and will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The move reflects the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on global aviation, as airlines adjust routes and schedules to navigate restricted airspace while maintaining operational efficiency.

With PTI inputs