DGCA Eases Pilot Duty Regulations for Air India Long-Haul Flights Amid Middle East Airspace Restrictions

Aviation Safety Regulator Grants Temporary Relaxations to Air India

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted temporary relaxations in flight duty norms for long-haul flights operated by Air India until April 30. This move comes in response to airspace restrictions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which have forced Air India to reroute several European and North American flights through Egypt, leading to longer flying hours.

Relaxation Details

The DGCA has extended the Flight Time (FT) by 1.30 hours to 11.30 hours and the Flight Duty Period (FDP) by 1.45 hours to 11.45 hours for long-haul flights operated with two pilots. Additionally, the exemption includes relief from the 30-minute roster planning buffer requirement. However, Air India has allegedly exceeded the relaxation while planning its Jeddah flight operations, with a reported FDP of 11.55 hours.

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Impact of Middle East Conflict on Flight Routes

The escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran since February 28 has resulted in airspace curbs across parts of the Middle East, affecting flight operations globally. As a result, several airlines have reduced services, and Air India flights to Europe and North America are currently operating via Oman, southern Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Some ultra-long-haul flights are also making technical stops in Rome.