In a significant development concerning aviation safety regulations, the Delhi High Court has raised serious questions about the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's decision to grant airlines an indefinite relaxation from implementing crucial new rules governing pilots' weekly rest and leave provisions. The court's intervention came during a hearing on Friday, where a bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia expressed concern over the aviation regulator's approach.
Court Seeks Explanation for Regulatory Rollback
While hearing a Public Interest Litigation that highlighted this critical issue, the judicial bench directly questioned the DGCA's legal counsel about the rationale behind withdrawing the newly introduced flight-duty norms shortly after their announcement. The bench specifically asked, "What is the rationale for withdrawal of this? And this applies to all airlines," indicating that the court's concerns extend across the entire aviation industry rather than being limited to specific carriers.
Key Provisions of the New Regulations
The regulations in question contain a vital provision stating that "no leave shall be substituted by weekly rest," a measure designed to ensure pilots receive adequate rest periods and prevent fatigue-related safety risks. These rules represent an important step toward enhancing flight safety standards and protecting both crew members and passengers.
Background: IndiGo's Operational Challenges
The controversy stems from events in early December 2025, when DGCA eased the Flight Duty Time Limitations specifically to allow IndiGo to deploy more pilots on duty. This regulatory relaxation came as a response to the airline's operational difficulties, as IndiGo had cancelled hundreds of flights nationwide during the first week of December after failing to adequately prepare for implementing the new flight-duty norms for its pilots.
Legal Proceedings and Timeline
The Delhi High Court has formally issued notice to the DGCA, granting the aviation regulator a two-week period to respond to the court's queries and provide a detailed explanation for its decision to defer implementation of the safety regulations. This legal development places the spotlight on the balance between operational convenience for airlines and the paramount importance of aviation safety standards.
The court's intervention raises fundamental questions about regulatory consistency and the protection of pilot welfare within India's rapidly growing aviation sector. As the DGCA prepares its response, aviation industry stakeholders, safety advocates, and legal experts will be closely monitoring how this significant regulatory matter unfolds in the coming weeks.
