DGCA Allows Temporary Extension In Pilot Duty Hours For Air India Due To Middle East Airspace Restrictions

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has introduced temporary flexibility in Flight Duty Time Limitations for Air India. The measure has been taken to assist the airline in managing its long-distance flights to Europe, the United States and Canada.

Officials said the adjustment was required because several international air routes have been affected by restricted airspace over Iran and Iraq.

Due to the closure of certain air corridors, Air India aircraft are now following longer alternative paths. Many of these flights travel through routes passing over Egypt before reaching western destinations.

These changes have increased overall travel time and fuel consumption. They have also created additional challenges for managing flight crew schedules.

After reviewing the airline’s request, the aviation regulator approved limited relief from standard pilot duty rules until April 30. The arrangement permits the airline to operate certain long-haul services with two pilots rather than the usual three.

Under the revised norms, the allowable Flight Time has been raised to 11.30 hours. The Flight Duty Period has also been extended to 11.45 hours.

Authorities have further allowed relief from the requirement of maintaining a 30-minute roster planning buffer.

Explanation of Key Aviation Terms

Flight Time refers to the period beginning when an aircraft starts moving for take-off and ending once it comes to a complete halt after landing.

The Flight Duty Period starts when a flight crew member reports for duty. It ends when the aircraft’s engines are turned off after the completion of the final flight.

The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which intensified in late February, has resulted in airspace restrictions across parts of the Middle East.

Several airlines have adjusted their schedules or reduced services in response to these developments.

For Air India, avoiding the airspace above Iran and Iraq has significantly increased block time on many long-haul routes. Operational limitations have also forced the airline to cancel a number of flights during the week.

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