DGCA Grants Air India Temporary Flight Duty Time Extensions Amid Middle East Airspace Restrictions

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted Air India temporary relaxations in pilot flight duty time limitations due to longer routes caused by Iranian and Iraqi airspace restrictions amid the Middle East conflict. The extensions, valid until April 30, increase maximum flight time by 1.5 hours to 11.5 hours and flight duty period by 1.75 hours to 14.75 hours for two-pilot operations. While Air India has committed to mitigation measures, sources report the airline exceeded allowed limits on some Jeddah flights. The Federation of Indian Pilots has expressed safety concerns over the extensions.