The DGCA has temporarily relaxed night duty limits for pilots, allowing three landings between 12 AM and 6 AM to ensure operational stability. This matters as it addresses pilot fatigue and operational challenges while maintaining safety standards.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued temporary exemptions to airlines regarding night duty limits for pilots, permitting three landings between 12 AM and 6 AM under certain conditions. This decision is intended to ensure operational stability while prioritizing safety, with a review planned in six months. The new rules, effective November 1, originally aimed to limit pilot landings to two during night hours and restrict duty hours to 10. However, the DGCA's relaxations come in response to complaints from pilots about chronic fatigue due to existing regulations. The Federation of Indian Pilots has expressed concerns that these relaxations contradict the DGCA's previous commitments to enforce stricter regulations. The DGCA's chief emphasized the need to balance safety with operational viability, particularly in regions where daylight begins early. Airlines have suggested adopting a data-driven Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) to better monitor pilot fatigue rather than relying solely on fixed regulatory limits.