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With restrictions on Iranian and Iraqi airspace, Air India is routing many of its European and North American flights through Egypt, leading to increased flying hours and longer duty periods for pilots.According to PTI, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed some relaxation in flight duty time limit (FDTL) norms for these long-haul operations till April 30.There was no immediate comment from Air India or DGCA on the temporary relaxation.
What relaxation has DGCA given?
According to PTI, the relaxation applies to long-haul flights operated with two pilots.Under the temporary relaxation, DGCA has:
- Flying Time (FT) increased from 1 hour 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes
- Flight Duty Duration (FDP) increased from 1 hour 45 minutes to 11 hours 45 minutes
- 30-minute roster planning buffer requirement relaxed
For a single landing, typical maximum FT and FDP are 10 hours and 13 hours respectively.Flight time refers to the period from when an aircraft first takes off to take off and comes to rest at the end of the flight, while the flight duty period begins when the crew member reports for duty and ends when the engine is shut down after the last flight.
Allegations of violation in Jeddah flight plan
Although the regulator has offered temporary relief, sources told PTI that Air India may extend the relaxation beyond the permitted limit in at least one case.According to a source quoted by PTI, Air India is scheduling its Jeddah flight with an FDP of 11 hours 55 minutes, which is 10 minutes more than the extended limit of 11 hours 45 minutes allowed under the relaxation.“Although the flight duty period (FDP) has been extended by 1.45 hours, Air India is forcing its pilots to operate the Jeddah flight, which has an FDP of 11.55 hours, thus 10 minutes more than the allowance allowed,” a source told PTI.
Why are Air India flights taking longer routes?
The change comes at a time when the US-Israel-Iran conflict that began on February 28 has led to restrictions on vital airspace in parts of the Middle East, disrupting airline operations globally.Air India is now flying to Europe and North America via Oman, Saudi Arabia and the southern part of Egypt instead of using more direct routes through restricted airspace.For some ultra-long-haul services, the airline is also making technical stops in Rome.It was not immediately clear whether IndiGo had received a similar temporary exemption for its long-haul operations.
Widespread disruption in UAE operations
The temporary tariff norm relaxation comes in the backdrop of widespread disruption for Indian carriers in the region.Air India on Sunday canceled several flights to the UAE, including services to Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, as airport authorities there directed airlines to reduce operations amid the growing crisis in West Asia.In a statement on X, Air India said: “In view of the latest instructions from the airport authorities in the UAE, Air India and Air India Express are forced to reduce their ad-hoc operations to 15 March 2026.”Air India operated only one Delhi-Dubai return flight for the day, while four of the five planned flights to Dubai were cancelled. Air India Express also operated only one Delhi-Dubai return service, with five of the six scheduled Dubai flights cancelled, while all five Abu Dhabi flights by the budget carrier were cancelled.Passengers affected by the cancellation were offered free re-booking or a full refund.
Conflict continues to impact aviation
The broader aviation sector is under pressure as the West Asia crisis has disrupted air corridors and increased the cost of aviation turbine fuel (ATF).IndiGo also warned of further restrictions in Dubai operations and asked passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
