Delhi HC Questions DGCA on 'Indefinite' Pilot Rest Norm Withdrawal

• The Delhi High Court questioned the DGCA over the indefinite relaxation of new norms for pilot weekly rest and leave.
• A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia asked the DGCA to explain the rationale behind withdrawing the rule that 'no leave shall be substituted by weekly rest'.
• The issue arose from a December 5, 2025, DGCA exemption to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), initially aimed at helping IndiGo manage operational disruptions.
• The DGCA counsel stated the withdrawal was based on airline representations and audits, clarifying that weekly rest is mandatory, while leaves are contractual.
• The court highlighted the inconsistency between an indefinite withdrawal of the rest norm and a temporary relaxation for night duty norms until February 10.

Why It Matters: Delhi HC challenges DGCA's indefinite withdrawal of pilot rest norms, citing potential safety and fairness concerns.