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Air India Seeks Crew Duty Relaxation Amid Middle East Airspace Tensions

Air India has formally requested the DGCA for temporary relaxations in Flight Duty Time Limitation norms. The request includes operating certain long-haul flights with two pilots instead of three and extending maximum flying and duty periods. This move is prompted by longer diversionary routes airlines must take due to restricted airspace in the Middle East and the closure of Pakistani airspace. The diversions increase flight times, fuel burn, and operational pressure on crew schedules.

Key Points: Air India Seeks DGCA Nod to Relax Flight Duty Time Limits

  • Seeks 2-pilot crew on some long-hauls
  • Requests over 1-hour flying time extension
  • Asks for nearly 2-hour duty period increase
  • Avoids 11 high-risk Middle Eastern airspaces
2 min read

Air India seeks DGCA nod to relax flight duty norms amid geopolitical tensions

Air India requests temporary relaxation of flight duty norms from DGCA due to longer diversionary routes forced by Middle East tensions.

"escalating tensions in the Middle East force airlines to take longer diversionary routes - NDTV Profit report"

New Delhi, March 12

Air India has approached the Directorate General of Civil Aviation seeking temporary relaxation in Flight Duty Time Limitation norms as escalating tensions in the Middle East force airlines to take longer diversionary routes, a report said on Thursday.

The Tata Group-owned airline has requested permission to operate certain long-haul flights with a two-pilot crew instead of the standard three, along with an extension in maximum flying time, according to NDTV Profit.

According to sources cited by the NDTV Profit, the airline firm has sought a one-hour and three-minute increase in permissible flying time, which would raise the limit from 10 hours to about 11-11.5 hours.

It has also requested that the maximum Flight Duty Period (FDP) be extended by 1 hour and 45 minutes, increasing the cap from 13 hours to 14 hours and 45 minutes.

Restricted airspace in parts of the region -- along with continued closure of Pakistan airspace for Indian carriers -- has forced airlines to take longer detours over the Arabian Sea, Central Asia, and parts of Africa.

These diversions are significantly increasing flight times, raising fuel consumption and putting additional pressure on crew duty limits, the report said.

The DGCA has recently advised Indian airlines to avoid the airspace of 11 Middle Eastern countries, categorising them as high-risk zones, it added.

For Air India, avoiding the skies of Iran and Iraq has added substantial block time to several long-haul routes, with the airline cancelling multiple flights this week due to operational constraints.

The report also said that government sources said Air India's proposal is currently under examination by the regulator.

Officials added that while the wider aviation industry is facing similar routing disruptions, the DGCA has not yet received a comparable request from rival carrier IndiGo.

According to the report, Air India did not immediately respond to queries regarding the request and potential concerns related to crew fatigue.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a tough situation. The Pakistan airspace closure and Middle East tensions are forcing these long detours. Airlines are stuck between operational costs and safety norms. Hope a balanced solution is found soon.
R
Rohit P
As a frequent flyer, I'm worried. First flight cancellations, now they want to reduce crew? Tata Group should invest in more pilots and better planning, not ask for rule relaxation. This is not the way.
S
Sarah B
The geopolitical reality is harsh. Flying over Central Asia and Africa adds hours. While safety is paramount, temporary measures might be necessary to keep international connectivity alive. DGCA's scrutiny is key.
V
Vikram M
Interesting that IndiGo hasn't made a similar request. Is Air India's network or planning the issue? The report says they cancelled multiple flights. Maybe they need better operational resilience.
M
Michael C
This highlights how regional conflicts impact global logistics. The fuel burn on those longer routes must be enormous. A temporary, strictly monitored exemption might be the pragmatic solution for all airlines.
K
Kavya N
Pilot fatigue is a serious safety issue. Why not hire more crew on a temporary basis? As the national carrier (even if privately owned now), Air India should set the highest standard, not seek to lower it. 🙏

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