Indian Airlines Push Back Against DGCA's Proposed 2025 Cabin Crew Rest Regulations
Major Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, have formally opposed new cabin crew rest rules proposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for implementation in October 2025. Represented by the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), the carriers argue that the regulations are stricter than international standards and would significantly limit their operational flexibility in managing flight schedules and crew rotations.
Key Concerns Raised by the Federation of Indian Airlines
In a detailed letter submitted to the DGCA dated January 12, the FIA outlined several critical objections to the proposed Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) framework. The airlines contend that the rules do not adequately address fatigue management with the necessary nuance for India's diverse aviation operations, which range from short-haul domestic flights to long-haul international routes.
The core of their argument centers on the focus on flight duty periods rather than just flight time. Airlines emphasize that crew fatigue should be managed based on the total duty period—from the moment crew members report for duty until they are completely free from all responsibilities—not merely the hours spent airborne. They recommend avoiding rigid cumulative caps or directly linking rest requirements to the number of landings, which they say oversimplifies complex operational realities.
Recommendations for More Practical and Globally-Aligned Provisions
The airlines have submitted specific recommendations urging the DGCA to adopt more practical and evidence-based regulations that maintain harmony with global standards. Their proposals include:
- Prioritizing rest quality over prescriptive location rules for accommodation, supporting twin-sharing arrangements under airline-defined guidelines that ensure adequate sleep.
- Aligning with international norms that focus on providing sufficient rest opportunities and matching local night time, rather than mandating where crews must rest during layovers.
- Developing a regulatory framework that balances operational needs with crew welfare without imposing overly restrictive measures that could disrupt flight operations.
Context of Ongoing Aviation Sector Challenges
This debate emerges at a critical juncture for the Indian aviation industry, which is still navigating the implementation of revised pilot duty time limits. The challenges associated with these changes were partly responsible for major flight disruptions experienced by IndiGo in early December last year, highlighting the practical difficulties of adapting to new regulatory requirements.
The airlines stress that any new rest regulations must be grounded in scientific evidence and practical considerations, ensuring they support both safety and operational efficiency. They advocate for rules that are flexible enough to accommodate the varying demands of different flight operations while safeguarding crew well-being.
As the DGCA reviews these submissions, the outcome will significantly impact how Indian airlines manage crew scheduling and fatigue mitigation moving forward, with potential implications for flight punctuality and overall industry competitiveness.
