Make safety add to airline's brand value

New Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules announced on November 1, 2025, are facing a tough test, as four of India's five national airlines - which carry 95% of passengers - have reportedly urged the aviation ministry to relax crew-rest requirements. They reportedly have argued that the regulations are unsustainable and would require hiring additional pilots and managing more complex schedules. Well, yes. From a safety perspective, these criteria are non-negotiable. Given that 'budget' airlines charge extra for every service, from legroom to snacks to seat selection, it would be reasonable - and responsible - for them to reinvest some of that revenue into ensuring both passenger and crew safety.

New FDTL rules mandate tighter limits on pilot working hours and rest periods. Weekly rest has increased from 36 to 48 continuous hours, including two full nights at the crew member's home base, among other changes. Pilots are largely supportive of the rules. Associations like Federation of Indian Pilots argue that compliance simply needs better planning, smarter scheduling and increased hiring.

The rules also align India's aviation industry with standards set by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). DGCA should resist calls for dilution. Pilot fatigue is a genuine risk, and just because it was overlooked before doesn't mean it's kosher. A 2022 'Safety Matters Foundation' survey of 542 Indian pilots found that 31% admitted to falling asleep mid-flight without alerting the crew. Another 31% reported fatigue-related close calls. Enlightened self-interest, if nothing else, should guide airlines toward adopting FDTL norms. In fact, strict compliance with global safety rules can actually be marketed as an airline's brand appeal.