India's New Pilot Fatigue Rules Disrupt Major Airline

IndiGo, India's largest airline, faces operational chaos due to failure in adapting to the country's new pilot fatigue management rules. The new regulations, aimed at ensuring pilot safety and reducing fatigue, impact rosters and flight operations, causing disruptions in air travel across the nation.

IndiGo, India's largest airline, has been significantly impacted by the country's newly implemented pilot fatigue management rules. The airline faced operational challenges as it struggled to adjust to changes in staff rostering, leading to widespread travel disruptions.

Implemented in phases, with the final phase starting November 1, the rules include several key measures. The weekly rest period for pilots has been extended from 36 to 48 hours to facilitate adequate recovery time. Maximum permissible night landings have also been reduced from six to two per week.

In response to the ongoing issues, some regulations, including those affecting IndiGo, have been temporarily relaxed. However, requirements for submitting quarterly fatigue reports to the aviation regulator remain in place to ensure compliance moving forward.

(With inputs from agencies.)