Indian airline IndiGo has rejected a proposal by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to extend night flying hours from 5 am to 6 am, citing concerns over severe operational impact. The airline also opposed reducing night flying for pilots and raising the weekly rest time for pilots from 36 hours to 48 hours. According to IndiGo, expanding the definition of night flying would limit pilot duties, while increasing the rest period would have financial implications.
Air India has also expressed concerns, citing the need for a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) to effectively manage pilot fatigue. Airlines have proposed staggered implementation of new rules, with IndiGo suggesting a delayed implementation and Air India saying it could implement the 48-hour rest period starting June 2025. The DGCA had announced revised norms for pilots in January 2024, which were to be implemented from June 1 but were put on hold after opposition from airlines.
According to experts, night flying is stressful for pilots and can lead to fatigue. The UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization recommends a two-day, two-night rest period, which is currently not adhered to by Indian regulations.