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

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted Air India temporary relaxations in pilot Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) until April 30 due to longer routes caused by Iranian and Iraqi airspace closures amid the Middle East conflict. The extensions 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 uses these exemptions to manage schedule disruptions, the Federation of Indian Pilots has raised safety concerns over increased fatigue risks. The airline has committed to mitigation measures including additional crew rest.