The Delhi High Court has ruled that airlines must increase the weekly rest period for pilots from 36 hours to 48 hours, effective from 1st July 2025. The decision comes after significant delays in the implementation of new duty and rest regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Originally announced in January 2024, this rule was delayed due to objections from airlines. However, after multiple rounds of mediation ordered by the court, the High Court has now set firm deadlines for its enforcement. Airlines will also be required to submit quarterly reports to the DGCA detailing pilot fatigue complaints and the measures taken to address them.

Night Shift Restrictions Coming in November

While most of the new norms will come into effect in July, the court has postponed the implementation of stricter night shift restrictions to 1st November 2025. These restrictions include:

• Redefining night flights to include those between midnight and 5 AM.
• Ensuring pilots are not assigned more than two consecutive night shifts.
• Reducing night flight time to a maximum of 8 hours, with total duty time (including pre- and post-flight duties) limited to 10 hours.
• Limiting the number of landings during night shifts to two per shift.

Additionally, a 24-hour extra rest period, similar to that for flights to the US, has been incorporated into the original DGCA proposal for ultra-long-haul flights. However, its implementation has been postponed to November to allow airlines more time to adjust their schedules.

New Limitations on Duty Extensions in Emergencies

The High Court has also introduced stricter limits on pilot duty extensions in unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or medical emergencies. Previously, airlines could extend a pilot’s duty beyond the standard 13-hour limit and flight time beyond 10 hours, with a maximum extension of three hours.

Under the new rules:

• The allowed duty extension is reduced from three hours to two hours.
• Pilots will need longer rest periods after extended duty hours.

These regulatory changes follow legal actions taken by various pilot unions, including the Indian Pilots Federation, Indian Pilots Guild, and Indian Commercial Pilots Association.

The unions had approached the court in May 2024, arguing that the delay in implementing the new DGCA regulations jeopardised flight safety by failing to address pilot fatigue.