Pilots’ body writes to DGCA over continued FDTL relaxations, cites safety risks
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) has written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) urging an end to ongoing relaxations of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), citing growing safety concerns and fatigue risks. The letter highlights that repeated exemptions have become standard practice, undermining the original intent of fatigue management regulations. ALPA India also called for greater transparency in fatigue reporting and warned against diluting established FDTL norms without new safety data.
- ▪ALPA India sent a letter to the DGCA on May 1, 2026, urging the end of FDTL relaxations to protect flight safety and crew well-being.
- ▪The pilots' body expressed concern that repeated FDTL exemptions have become the norm, eroding safety buffers meant to manage crew fatigue.
- ▪ALPA India cited recent pilot deaths and low acceptance of fatigue reports as evidence of systemic safety and regulatory issues.
- ▪The association recommended quarterly public reporting of fatigue data and a clear timeline for ending all FDTL variations across airlines.
- ▪ALPA India emphasized that reopening settled FDTL norms without new safety data could undermine regulatory credibility.
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Pilots’ body writes to DGCA over continued FDTL relaxations, cites safety risksPilots’ body flags safety risks from repeated FDTL exemptions, urges DGCA to end relaxations and ensure proper fatigue management across airlines.Published on: May 01, 2026 9:24 PM ISTBy Neha LM Tripathi, New DelhiShare viaCopy link The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) not to relax Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, warning that repeated relaxations to airlines have weakened fatigue safeguards and could compromise flight safety.The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) not to relax Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms (Shutterstock/ Representative…
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