DGCA Temporarily Eases Flight Duty Time Limits for Pilots

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has temporarily relaxed flight duty time limits for pilots to enhance operational efficiency. This decision aims to ensure that pilots are available for long-haul flights while maintaining safety standards. The DGCA has also issued guidelines for operators transporting VIP and VVIP passengers, emphasizing the importance of not placing undue pressure on crew members. These measures come in response to past aviation incidents, highlighting the need for compliance with safety regulations. The DGCA's proactive approach seeks to improve the overall safety and reliability of flight operations, especially during critical electoral periods.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 7, 2026, 16:29 IST

DGCA's New Measures for Pilot Duty Times

On Tuesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced a temporary relaxation of flight duty time limits (FDTL) for pilots operating long-haul flights. A senior official revealed this information during a media briefing. Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, explained that this decision aims to ensure the availability of pilots for smooth operations.

Recently, the DGCA issued guidelines for operators transporting VIP and VVIP passengers, emphasizing that crew members should not face unnecessary pressure that could compromise safety. These guidelines were introduced following a tragic aviation accident in January that resulted in the deaths of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, particularly affecting operators of unscheduled aircraft and helicopters carrying VVIPs.

Ensuring Compliance with Aviation Regulations

The DGCA stated that operators must ensure that flight operations comply with aviation regulations and any directives or circulars issued from time to time. It is crucial that crew members are not subjected to undue pressure to operate flights, as this could jeopardize safety. Any last-minute changes to scheduled flights due to VIP requirements should be coordinated solely through the organization's management, rather than directly with the crew.

In issuing these guidelines, the DGCA noted that analyses of past incidents involving aircraft operations from airstrips and temporary helipads, particularly concerning VVIP electoral flights, often revealed violations of directives that posed safety risks.

Steps to Ensure Safety Standards for Flights

The DGCA emphasized the necessity for all parties involved to implement adequate measures to uphold the highest safety standards for such flights. Regarding electoral flights, the regulatory body mandated that each operator designate a responsible individual to manage these flights, who will be accountable for ensuring compliance with all directives issued by relevant authorities.

According to the order, the details of this individual must be submitted to the DGCA's Flight Standards Directorate before the commencement of electoral flights.