Lilshira
India expands pilot rest and fatigue rules after Air India crash
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has introduced stricter pilot rest, night‑flight and workload limits, effective since June 2025, targeting commercial pilots and airlines operating in the country. The measures raise weekly rest to 48 hours, extend night‑hour definitions, increase post‑flight rest for ultra‑long‑haul flights and mandate quarterly fatigue reporting.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Weekly rest raised to 48 hours, night‑flight caps tightened, ultra‑long‑haul rest increased, workload limits set
- Timing
- Effective since June 2025
- Who is affected
- Commercial pilots and airlines operating under Indian civil aviation rules
The details
- Announced by
- Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Takes effect
- Since June 2025
- Previous rule
- Pilots previously required a minimum of 36 hours weekly rest, night‑hour limits were narrower, post‑flight rest for long‑haul flights was 120 hours, and no explicit rolling workload caps were enforced.
- New rule
- Weekly rest is now 48 consecutive hours, night‑hour window is 12 am‑6 am with a maximum of eight flight hours and ten duty hours, only two night landings per duty period, post‑flight rest for ultra‑long‑haul flights increased to 144 hours plus an extra 24‑hour rest after two consecutive long‑haul flights, and rolling workload caps of 35, 65 and 100 flying hours over 7, 14 and 28 days respectively. Airlines must submit quarterly fatigue data confidentially.
Background and driver
The crash of Air India Flight 171 in June 2025 highlighted gaps in pilot wellbeing and fatigue management. Investigations revealed pilots working beyond legal limits and crew members withdrawing due to stress, prompting regulators to reassess existing health protocols.
New rest and duty regulations
The DGCA has introduced a suite of mandatory rest and duty limits. Weekly rest must now be a continuous 48‑hour block that includes two full local nights, and airlines cannot count scheduled leave toward this period. Night‑hour definition has been broadened to midnight‑to‑6 am, with flight time capped at eight hours and duty periods at ten hours. Pilots may only perform two night landings per duty, down from six.
- Ultra‑long‑haul flights now require 144 hours minimum post‑flight rest, up from 120 hours
- An additional 24‑hour rest follows two consecutive long‑haul flights
- Rolling workload caps: 35 hours in 7 days, 65 hours in 14 days, 100 hours in 28 days
Fatigue reporting and enforcement
Airlines are now legally required to submit comprehensive quarterly fatigue reports directly to the DGCA. The regulator mandates that these reports be handled confidentially and without punitive consequences, encouraging pilots to report fatigue without fear of career impact.
- Reports must follow a non‑punitive safety policy
- Data are used to monitor compliance with the new rest and workload limits
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing flight bookings are unaffected; passenger itineraries remain unchanged
- No changes to visa or entry requirements for travelers to India
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation are required from passengers
- Airlines may incur operational costs to adjust crew schedules, but these do not affect travelers
What you need to do
- Pilots employed by Indian carriers must adhere to the 48‑hour weekly rest and new night‑flight limits
- Airlines must implement quarterly fatigue reporting and adjust crew rosters to meet workload caps
- Travel agents should verify that airlines operating flights to or from India are compliant with the new rules
Who this affects
-
Indian commercial pilots
The DGCA's new rest, night‑flight and workload limits apply to all pilots licensed in India
What to do Pilots must follow the 48‑hour weekly rest, night‑hour caps and reporting requirements
-
Indian air traffic controllers
The TTD in the United States highlighted similar issues for controllers, and India’s reforms aim to improve overall aviation safety culture
-
Airlines operating under Indian civil aviation rules
They are mandated to submit quarterly fatigue data and adjust crew schedules to meet the new limits
What to do Airlines must revise rostering systems and ensure compliance with the DGCA’s reporting framework
Frequently asked questions
When did India's new pilot rest rules start?
The new rest, duty and workload limits have been in effect since June 2025, as announced by the DGCA.
What is the new weekly rest requirement for Indian pilots?
Pilots must now receive a continuous 48‑hour rest period each week, which must include two full local nights at their home base.
How have night‑flight limits changed in India?
Night hours are now defined as 12 am to 6 am, with a maximum of eight flight hours and ten duty hours, and pilots may only perform two night landings per duty period.
Are there new workload caps for Indian pilots?
Yes, the DGCA set rolling limits of 35 flying hours in any 7‑day period, 65 hours in 14 days and 100 hours in 28 days.
Do passengers need to provide additional documents because of these changes?
No, the pilot rest reforms do not introduce any new passenger documentation or fees.
What reporting obligations do airlines have under the new rules?
Airlines must submit confidential quarterly fatigue reports to the DGCA, following a non‑punitive safety policy.
