Airlines Seek FDTL Relaxation, Pilots Outraged: Aviation Industry Leak

• Four out of five major Indian airlines, representing 95% of the market, are seeking relaxation in new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules from the DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• FDTL rules, designed to limit pilot working hours and ensure adequate rest for flight safety, were strengthened after a long legal battle by pilots.
• IndiGo faced significant flight cancellations and passenger impact in early December due to FDTL rule non-compliance, leading to a temporary exemption and subsequent fines totaling 22 crore rupees.
• New FDTL rules increase weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours, redefine night duty, limit consecutive night duties to two, and reduce monthly flight time from 125 to 100 hours.
• Airlines argue the new rules are impractical and will increase operational costs, while pilot organizations, like the Federation of Indian Pilots, firmly oppose any relaxation, prioritizing safety.

Why It Matters: Major airlines want FDTL rule relaxation, but pilots and safety advocates strongly oppose it, citing flight safety concerns.