Explainer: Pilots vs regulator over allowing longer Air India flying hours
The DGCA is being accused of undermining flight safety aspects, and prioritising commercial convenience
Updated At : 07:03 AM Nov 10, 2025 IST
The DGCA insists the concession, allowing pilots to fly up to 10.5 hours instead of 10, and stretching the Flight Duty Period from 13 to 14 hours, is temporary and unavoidable. Pilot associations are calling the move unsafe and unlawful. Istock
INDIA’S aviation regulator is flying straight into legal turbulence. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the very agency meant to safeguard flight safety, now stands accused of undermining it. By granting Air India a rare relaxation in pilot duty-hour limits for its Europe-bound Boeing 787 flights, the regulator has set off a storm of outrage and possibly a contempt of court battle.
