In a significant move to bolster flight safety and improve working conditions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced revised regulations concerning duty hours and rest periods for cabin crew across all Indian airlines. These updated Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) come in response to growing concerns within the aviation industry about the potential risks associated with demanding flight schedules and crew fatigue, especially on long-haul routes.
The new norms stipulate that cabin crew members can work a maximum of 8 to 10 hours within any 24-hour period. This duration may vary based on the number of landings and the specific type of flight operation. For extended journeys, such as long-haul flights (lasting 6 to 14 hours) or ultra-long-range flights (over 14 hours), the duty period can be extended up to 17 to 21 hours. However, this extension is permitted only if the airline ensures the presence of additional crew members who can benefit from in-flight rest.
Further enhancing safety measures, the DGCA has established stricter limits on cumulative flight hours. Cabin crew will now be capped at 35 hours of flight time per week, 100 hours per 28 days, and 1,000 hours annually. The total annual duty time has also been capped at 1,800 hours.
Airlines are now mandated to provide a minimum rest period for their crew that is equivalent to their preceding duty period, or a minimum of 12 hours, whichever is greater. For flights that cross multiple time zones, these rest requirements are extended, with 18 hours needed for up to seven time zones and 36 hours for more than seven. Additionally, every crew member is entitled to a weekly rest of 48 hours, which must include two local nights, with longer rest periods prescribed for those frequently assigned night duties.
A notable change is the implementation of a non-punitive fatigue reporting system. This initiative encourages crew members to report feelings of tiredness or excessive workload without fear of disciplinary repercussions. Airlines will be responsible for monitoring and reporting instances of fatigue to the regulator on a quarterly basis and must maintain duty-rest records for a minimum of 18 months.
These revised regulations are intended to align India’s aviation standards with those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aiming to enhance overall safety and ensure that aircrew are well-rested. While the changes are viewed positively by many, some industry experts have noted that certain provisions might require further clarification and could be subject to ongoing legal scrutiny.