DGCA's Air Safety Reforms and Their Widespread Impact

Context

A large number of flight cancellations and delays by IndiGo led to widespread dissatisfaction among passengers. On December 5, 2025, the DGCA granted IndiGo a temporary exemption from the new night-duty limit imposed on pilots. This move came amid persistent operational disruptions, crew shortages, and increasing passenger hardship.

What's the Issue ?

• The new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations, effective November 1, 2025, increased the weekly mandatory rest period for pilots to 48 hours.
• Pilots can now perform night landings only twice a week (previously, the limit was six).
• IndiGo admitted that it miscalculated the required number of pilots, leading to misjudgments and shortfalls in planning.
• As a result, more than 400 flights were cancelled, and thousands of passengers were stranded at airports for three days.
• In light of this crisis, the DGCA exempted IndiGo from the night-flying ban until February 10, 2026.

Key DGCA rules related to FDTL

• Increasing the mandatory weekly rest period for pilots to 48 hours.
• Only two night-time landings per week are permitted.
• According to the 'no leave substitution' rule, weekly rest cannot be substituted for leave.
• The DGCA withdrew this provision in light of IndiGo's situation to increase pilot availability.
• The DGCA provided additional flexibility based on the operational situation to ensure stable flight operations.

Impacts

• Impact on passengers: Frequent flight cancellations cause significant inconvenience and financial loss.
• Impact on Airline Operations: The DGCA's exemption will allow IndiGo to temporarily stabilize its flight schedule.
• Safety Concerns: The new regulations were intended to prevent pilot fatigue. The exemptions have increased the challenge of balancing safety and comfort.
• Regulatory Capacity Questioned: The DGCA's sudden rule changes have sparked debate about regulatory rigor and stability.
• Impact on Other Airlines: This could lead other airlines to seek exemptions or more flexible regulations.

About DGCA

Introduction: DGCA is India's statutory civil aviation regulatory body, whose primary objective is to ensure aviation safety, maintain airworthiness, and enforce regulations in line with global standards.

Establishment

• 1927: DGCA was established as a government organization.
• 2020: It gained statutory status under the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Ministry

• DGCA functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

Objective

To promote safe, efficient, and reliable air transport, strengthening India's civil aviation sector in accordance with international (ICAO) standards.

Main Functions

1.  Safety Compliance and Regulation
   • Formulate and enforce Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs).
   • Inspect, audit, and surveillance of airlines, airports, MROs, and training institutions.
2. Aircraft & Airport Certification
   • Register civil aircraft.
   • Issuance of Certificates of Airworthiness.
   • Inspection and certification of airports as per safety standards
3. Licensing
   • Issuance of licenses to pilots, AMEs, ATCOs, cabin crew, flight dispatchers, etc.
   • Conduct examinations, skill tests, and regular evaluations.
4.  Accident Investigation
   • Investigation of incidents involving up to 2250 kg of AUW.
   • Implementation of safety management and preventive programs.
5. Air Transport Regulation
   • Issuance of Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).
   • Regulation of scheduled and non-scheduled domestic and international flights.
6. ICAO Coordination
   • Alignment of Indian regulations with ICAO standards.
   • Participation in USOAP audits and harmonization of global standards.
7. Training Monitoring
   • Approval and monitoring of flying schools, AME institutes, simulator centers, and other training institutions.
8. Dangerous Goods & ANS Monitoring
   • Certification of operators handling dangerous goods.
   • Regulation of Air Navigation Services (ANS) and civil-military airspace coordination.