Air India Adjusts Flight Duty Norms Amid Middle East Airspace Restrictions

DGCA Implements Temporary Relaxations for Air India

Mumbai: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced temporary relaxations in the flight duty regulations for Air India’s long-haul operations. This decision comes as the airline navigates longer routes due to airspace restrictions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as reported on Sunday.

Due to limitations in Iranian and Iraqi airspace, Air India has opted for a route through Egypt for its flights to Europe and North America, resulting in extended flight durations.

In light of these circumstances, the DGCA has adjusted the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for pilots until April 30, according to sources. However, neither Air India nor the DGCA has publicly commented on these changes.

The relaxations apply to long-haul flights operated with two pilots, allowing an increase in Flight Time (FT) by 1.30 hours to a total of 11.30 hours, and extending the Flight Duty Period (FDP) by 1.45 hours to 11.45 hours.

Despite these adjustments, sources indicate that Air India has been breaching these relaxations by scheduling its Jeddah flight, which has an FDP of 11.55 hours, exceeding the permitted limit by 10 minutes.

Additionally, exemptions have been granted regarding the 30-minute buffer requirement for roster planning.

For single landings, the maximum FT and FDP are set at 10 hours and 13 hours, respectively.

FT refers to the total duration from when an aircraft begins its takeoff roll until it comes to a complete stop after landing.

FDP begins when a flight crew member is required to report for duty and concludes when the engines are turned off at the end of their last flight.

It remains unclear if IndiGo has received similar exemptions for its long-haul flights. The escalating tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, have led to significant disruptions in flight operations across the region.

Many airlines have scaled back their services, with Air India rerouting flights through Oman, southern Saudi Arabia, and Egypt for its European and North American destinations. Some ultra-long-haul flights are also making technical stops in Rome.