Airlines Urge Govt to Relax New Pilot Rest Norms Amid Sustainability Concerns

• Four out of five major national airlines, representing 95% of domestic traffic, have asked the government to ease new pilot rest regulations (FDTL) implemented on November 1, 2025.
• Airlines argue the tightened FDTL norms, which include increased weekly rest and reduced night duties, are unsustainable and add to operational costs, requiring more pilots.
• The new rules were introduced after pilots sought stricter limits on working hours for passenger safety, following prolonged litigation.
• Discussions are ongoing, with the issue also raised in a parliamentary committee meeting; the government has not yet made a decision.
• IndiGo faced operational disruptions and was fined ₹20.2 crore for operating under a temporary FDTL exemption, highlighting industry challenges.

Why It Matters: Major airlines are pushing the government to relax new pilot rest norms, citing sustainability and cost concerns.