IndiGo now fully prepared to implement FDTL norms, informs DGCA | Top News
IndiGo has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that it is fully prepared to implement the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules from Wednesday, following the expiration of a one-time temporary exemption granted to the airline after its operational collapse in December.
“IndiGo further stated that all necessary operational, registration and monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure full compliance with the approved FDTL program with effect from February 11,” the regulator said in a statement.
The DGCA said IndiGo was granted a one-time temporary exemption on December 5 from the provisions of paragraphs 3.11 and 6.1.4 of the revised FDTL rules, which came into full force from November 2025.
Paragraph 3.11 defines what constitutes “night service” under the FDTL rules. If a pilot’s duty period is between midnight and 6 a.m., it is treated as night duty. Once a service is classified as a night service, stricter fatigue limits automatically apply. Paragraph 6.1.4 sets these stricter limits — it limits the length of time a pilot can be on duty, how many hours he can actually fly, and how many landings he can make during such a shift — in order to reduce the risk of fatigue during late night and early morning operations.
By granting a temporary exemption from these provisions, the regulator had effectively allowed the airline to schedule certain tasks without being bound by the stricter classification and limits of night duties for a defined period.
The exemption was valid until February 10 and was granted because the airline canceled thousands of flights in early December due to a lack of sufficient pilots to implement the revised FDTL standards. The regulator said the relaxation was aimed at stabilizing flight operations and safeguarding the safety and interests of passengers.
FDTL standards regulate the maximum number of hours pilots and cabin crew can work, including flight time and watch duty, and specify mandatory rest periods to minimize fatigue and maintain operational safety.
According to the DGAC, the exemptions were granted under certain conditions. These included the submission of hourly data on flight operations to the regulator and weekly or fortnightly reports on operational performance.
During the period of validity of the exemptions, IndiGo’s flight operations were closely monitored through periodic review meetings with the DGCA. Regulator officers have also been deployed at various airports to supervise the processing of passengers and address any inconveniences encountered by travelers.
Additionally, Flight Operations Inspectors (FOI) – DGCA officials responsible for verifying airlines’ compliance with operational safety standards – have been positioned at IndiGo’s Operations Control Center to monitor flight operations in real time, thereby ensuring continuous regulatory oversight during the exemption period.
