DGCA Sets March 2027 Deadline for FDTL Compliance
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has informed airlines that no variations to pilot duty and rest rules will be permitted from March 2027, when the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations comes into full effect, according to people aware of the matter.
The rules were originally scheduled for implementation in November 2025 but were deferred after IndiGo’s operational collapse disrupted India’s aviation sector. Airlines have now been directed to plan their crew rosters and operations to ensure compliance with the regulations ahead of the deadline, one of the people cited above said.
“Airlines have been informed that all variations to DGCA rules will end when full FDTL are implemented in March,”
the person added, requesting anonymity.
Second Phase Focuses on Night Operations
The FDTL regulations establish limits on pilots’ flight duty periods, night operations and consecutive duties. They also prescribe minimum rest requirements to address pilot fatigue and improve flight safety.
The framework is being implemented in two phases. The first phase took effect on July 1, 2025, while the second phase, which largely concerns night operations, was scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2025.
However, implementation of the second phase was deferred for all airlines following IndiGo’s operational collapse.
Airlines Asked to Prepare for Full Implementation
With the revised deadline set for March 2027, airlines are expected to align crew scheduling and operational planning with the applicable duty and rest requirements. The DGCA’s direction indicates that variations to the rules will no longer be permitted once the complete FDTL framework takes effect.
The regulations are intended to manage pilot fatigue through defined duty limits and adequate rest periods, supporting safer flight operations across the sector.
