NEW DELHI: With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East forcing airlines to reroute flights and operate longer, indirect paths, Air India has secured temporary relief from the aviation regulator on pilot duty hour limitations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted the airline an exemption from certain Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, valid until April 30, 2026, to help it manage operational challenges caused by airspace restrictions over Iran and Iraq.
What the Exemption Allows
Due to the mandatory rerouting of flights to avoid conflict zones, journey times have increased. The relaxation permits two-pilot operations to extend their flight hours and duty periods.
| Norm | Standard Limit | Relaxed Limit (Temporary) |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Time (FT) | Up to 10 hours | Up to 11 hours 30 minutes (+1 hr 30 min) |
| Flight Duty Period (FDP) | Up to 13 hours | Up to 14 hours 45 minutes (+1 hr 45 min) |
- Flight Time (FT) covers the entire duration from an aircraft moving for takeoff to a complete stop after landing.
- Flight Duty Period (FDP) begins when a crew member reports for duty and ends once the engines are shut down on their final flight of that period.
Air India had sought these exemptions after airspace curbs over the Gulf forced it to adopt longer, indirect routes for several international services to Europe and North America. To maintain safety standards, crews operating under these relaxed norms will receive an additional four-hour rest period beyond the minimum prescribed under the applicable Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
No Comment from Airlines or Regulator
There was no official comment from Air India or the DGCA on the FDTL relaxations. It was also not immediately clear whether IndiGo, which operates long-haul services, was granted similar exemptions.
The Broader Context: War and Airspace Restrictions
The move comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war on February 28. Gulf countries have reported new attacks, and Iran recently called for evacuations at three major UAE ports, marking a significant escalation.
Several international carriers have cut services to the region. Air India has been rerouting its flights via Oman, southern Saudi Arabia, and Egypt to reach destinations in Europe and North America. Certain ultra-long-haul routes have also required technical stops, such as in Rome, to manage the extended distances.
