Tue Oct 28 15:11:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Air India is facing backlash from pilot groups for implementing a diluted version of court-mandated rest and duty norms. Despite a Delhi High Court order in April 2025 to improve pilot rest and limit night flying due to fatigue concerns, Air India has informed its crew of changes that allow for more landings during specific duty hours. The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has also granted exemptions to some airlines, including IndiGo, further relaxing the rules. Pilots’ groups are calling this a violation of the court order and are threatening legal action, citing safety concerns related to fatigue and the critical “Window of Circadian Low” (WOCL). Airlines are justifying the changes due to operational challenges.
News Article:
Air India Accused of Flouting Court-Ordered Pilot Rest Rules
NEW DELHI – October 28, 2025 – Air India is under fire after informing its cockpit crew of a revised duty and rest schedule that appears to contradict a Delhi High Court order aimed at combating pilot fatigue. The changes, set to take effect on November 1st, come as documents reveal that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted exemptions to Air India and other airlines, including IndiGo, from the court-mandated regulations.
In April 2025, the Delhi High Court mandated phased implementation of revised duty and rest norms after pilots raised concerns about increasing fatigue due to grueling schedules and night flying. The first phase, implemented in July, increased weekly rest hours. The second phase, scheduled for November, places limits on night flying.
However, Air India’s new schedule allows for up to three landings for duties starting between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., exceeding the court-permitted limit of two. Moreover, it will disregard the court-ordered cap of two landings if the last flight due to delay spills beyond midnight. These changes also include relaxing the definition of night duty.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has condemned the move as a “breach of law” and is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the exemptions. In a letter to the DGCA, the FIP warned of potential legal action for “willful disobedience and contempt of court” if the exemptions are not revoked within 48 hours. Pilots argue that these changes compromise flight safety, particularly during the “Window of Circadian Low” (WOCL) between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., when cognitive performance is naturally at its lowest.
“The reported grant of extension to airlines amounts to a deliberate departure from the timeline affirmed before the Hon’ble Court, undermining the sanctity of judicial proceedings and eroding the confidence of stakeholders in the regulator’s adherence to the rule of law,” the FIP said in its statement.
An airline executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the relaxations were provided due to “operational challenges,” citing increased layovers for crew. They added that rest timing was enhanced for additional landings.
The DGCA has not responded to requests for comment regarding the exemptions and whether they constitute a violation of the Delhi High Court order. This development raises serious questions about the enforcement of pilot safety regulations and the potential impact on air travel safety in India.
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