ThePrint ThePrintAM: What has DGCA told HC on rest hours of pilots?
Jan 31, 2026
A court hearing about pilots' mandated rest hours and whether exemptions were improperly granted. Discussion of limited night-operation relief for one airline and the clash over indefinite relaxations. A public interest litigation raising safety, regulatory failure, monopolistic practices and passenger rights. Debate over new flight duty rules, leave substitution and the classification of low-cost carriers.
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DGCA Denies Blanket Exemptions
- The DGCA told the Delhi High Court that no airline has been granted blanket exemptions from pilot weekly rest requirements.
- Indigo received a limited night-operations relaxation only until February 10 to manage December disruptions.
Court Questions FDTL Withdrawal
- The court sought explanation for DGCA's withdrawal of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules after mass cancellations in December.
- The FDTL rules had barred substituting leaves with weekly rest and came into effect on November 1.
PIL Alleges Safety And Regulatory Failures
- A PIL challenges the DGCA's December 5 order as endangering safety and violating aviation rules and constitutional rights.
- The petition also presses that Indian law lacks a formal 'low-cost airline' category despite such market labels since 2003.