IndiGo now fully prepared to implement FDTL norms, informs DGCA | Top News
IndiGo has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it is fully prepared to comply with the legal provisions and implement the approved Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) scheme from February 11, following the expiry of the one-time temporary exemption granted following the operational disruption in December.
“IndiGo has also stated that all necessary operational, listing and monitoring arrangements have been put in place to ensure full compliance with the approved FDTL scheme with effect from February 11,” the regulator said in a statement. he said.
The DGCA said IndiGo was granted a one-time temporary exemption on December 5 from provisions under paragraphs 3.11 and 6.1.4 of the revised FDTL rules, which come into full force from November 2025.
Paragraph 3.11 defines what counts as “night duty” under FDTL rules. If a pilot’s duty period falls at any time between midnight and 06:00 in the morning, it is considered a night duty. When a mission is classified as a night mission, tighter fatigue limits automatically apply.
Paragraph 6.1.4 sets these tighter limits. In order to reduce the risk of fatigue during late night and early morning operations, it limits how long a pilot can remain on duty, how many hours he can fly, and how many landings he can perform in such a shift.
The regulator has granted a temporary exemption from these provisions, allowing the airline to schedule certain missions without being bound by the stricter night duty classification and limitations for a certain period of time.
The exemption was valid until February 10. The exemption was granted after the airline canceled thousands of flights in early December due to a shortage of pilots required to implement the revised FDTL norms.
The regulator said the relaxation is aimed at stabilizing flight operations and protecting passenger safety and interests.
FDTL norms regulate the maximum hours that pilots and cabin crew can work, including flight time and standby duty, and prescribe mandatory rest periods to minimize fatigue and maintain operational safety.
According to DGCA, exemptions were subject to certain conditions. These included submitting hourly flight operations data to the regulator and weekly or biweekly reports on operational performance.
During the validity period of the exemption, IndiGo’s flight operations were closely monitored through periodic review meetings with the DGCA. Regulatory officers have also been posted at various airports to supervise passenger transactions and address any inconveniences faced by passengers.
Additionally, Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs), the DGCA officials responsible for checking airlines’ compliance with operational safety norms, have been positioned at IndiGo’s Operations Control Center for real-time monitoring of flight operations, ensuring continuous regulatory oversight throughout the exemption period.
