Thu Feb 20 14:40:15 UTC 2025: ## DGCA to Phasedly Implement Relaxed Pilot Duty Norms
**New Delhi, February 20, 2025** – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will implement relaxed duty norms for pilots in two phases, starting July 1, 2025, following a court-ordered mediation. The decision, announced Thursday, resolves a dispute between the DGCA and airlines over proposed changes aimed at combating pilot fatigue.
Initially slated for implementation in June 2024, the revised norms were delayed due to airline opposition. The phased approach, detailed in an affidavit to the Delhi High Court, involves implementing 15 of 22 clauses from July 1st and the remaining 7 from November 1st.
Key changes effective July 1st include increasing the mandatory weekly rest period from 36 to 48 continuous hours. Further provisions, including a revised definition of “night duty” (midnight to 6 a.m. instead of midnight to 5 a.m.), a limit of two consecutive nights of flying, and a cap of two night landings per duty period encroaching on night duty, will be implemented from November 1st. Pilots on ultra-long-haul flights (e.g., to the U.S.) will also receive an additional 24 hours of rest.
Airlines, notably IndiGo and Air India, expressed concerns about the operational impact of these changes, particularly the revised night duty definition. Air India also requested the implementation of a modern fatigue risk management system. The DGCA’s use of the term “roll-out” for the November 1st changes suggests a potentially staggered implementation. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 24th.
First Piper 