In a bold response to Middle East volatility, Air India has formally asked the DGCA to loosen Flight Duty Time Limitation rules. The plea aims to mitigate the impact of prolonged routes triggered by airspace bans and high-risk designations.
Specifically, the airline seeks approval for dual-pilot crews on extended long-haul legs, alongside hikes in flight caps by 1 hour 3 minutes (to 11-11.5 hours) and FDP by 1 hour 45 minutes (to 14:45 hours). These changes would address the realities of current flying conditions.
Pakistan’s ongoing airspace denial, coupled with DGCA warnings on 11 Middle Eastern countries, has rerouted flights dramatically. Paths over remote oceanic and continental expanses are eating into efficiency, spiking fuel costs and pushing crew limits.
Recent cancellations highlight the strain, particularly for routes bypassing Iran and Iraq. Air India’s initiative stands out as proactive, even as peers grapple silently without similar filings.
Regulators are deliberating, weighing operational needs against fatigue risks. Air India’s silence on crew welfare queries adds intrigue to the unfolding saga.
This could herald a new era of adaptive aviation policies, ensuring Indian carriers remain competitive amid global uncertainties.