GOVERNMENT MOVES TO RESTORE NORMAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS AFTER STAFFING LIMITS TRIGGERED WIDESPREAD DISRUPTION
India lifted recently imposed pilot-duty restrictions after the rules contributed to large-scale flight cancellations and nationwide airport disruption.
The Indian government has lifted pilot-duty restrictions that contributed to major airline cancellations across the country, restoring operational flexibility after days of escalating travel chaos. The restrictions — introduced to address fatigue concerns and scheduling gaps — had inadvertently intensified staffing shortages among domestic carriers.
Airlines across India were forced to cancel or delay hundreds of flights, overwhelming airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other major hubs. Passengers reported long lines, limited rebooking options and significant delays as airlines struggled to comply with the altered scheduling rules.
Aviation authorities announced the reversal late Tuesday, stating that safety would remain a priority but that the restrictions needed adjustment to avoid paralyzing the aviation network. Officials said the government would work with carriers on new guidelines that balance pilot welfare with operational needs.
Industry analysts say the episode underscores how sensitive India’s aviation sector is to regulatory shifts, especially during peak travel periods. Many carriers operate with thin staffing margins, meaning even minor scheduling changes can create cascading disruptions.
Passengers are expected to see gradual normalization over the next 24–48 hours, though airlines warn that lingering delays may persist as flight networks are re-balanced.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will release revised duty-time rules in the coming weeks, following consultations with pilot unions and airline management.
