Two pilot deaths within 48 hours have prompted the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) to seek urgent regulatory intervention, warning that delays in implementing Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms are heightening fatigue-related safety risks in India’s aviation sector.
In a letter dated May 1 to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilots’ body said the issue “bears directly on flight safety, regulatory credibility, and the well-being of flight crew”, particularly in light of the “recent death of pilots in this week”.
ALPA flagged that repeated relaxations granted to airlines have “materially diluted the intent of the FDTL regulations”, with temporary exemptions becoming routine practice.
It said such relaxations allow operators to function “at or near regulatory limits without adequate safety buffers”, undermining fatigue management systems.
Calling for immediate corrective action, the association demanded a time-bound roadmap for full implementation of FDTL norms and the phased withdrawal of operational variations.
It stressed that a clearly defined transition plan is essential to restore regulatory certainty and ensure uniform compliance across airlines.
Raising concerns over pilot fatigue, ALPA pointed to the dilution of weekly rest norms, stating that allowing leave to substitute mandatory rest has a “cumulative impact on fatigue, circadian disruption, and long-term health outcomes”.
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It added that the recent deaths of two pilots, both under 45, “speak volumes” about the seriousness of the issue.
On fatigue reporting, the association cited RTI findings to highlight an “alarmingly low rate of acceptance” of fatigue reports by airlines, arguing that such practices discourage reporting and weaken safety culture.
It called for mandatory quarterly fatigue data submissions, public disclosure on the DGCA website, and regulatory audits of acceptance rates and corrective action.
The body also raised concerns over transparency, pointing to the non-disclosure of an inquiry report into a December 2025 disruption involving IndiGo, and sought its immediate release.
Further, ALPA urged the DGCA to publish periodic data on pilot health and availability, including Permanent Medical Unfitness (PMU) and Temporary Medical Unfitness (TMU) cases, along with trends linked to rostering practices.
The association also flagged the impact of consecutive night duties, recommending that airlines maintain safety buffers below maximum FDTL limits and ensure roster stability.
It cautioned against any move to dilute the FDTL framework, stating that the norms were finalised after due consultation.
“The safety of human life must remain paramount and non-negotiable in all aviation operations,” ALPA said.
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