DGCA tweaks pilot rest rules to tackle flight delays

India Dec 05, 2025

India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, is shaking things up for pilots: starting December 5, 2025, airlines can swap out pilots' weekly rest days with leave instead.
This change aims to help airlines handle recent disruptions and manage their schedules better—especially during the peak holiday season and ongoing operational disruptions.

Keeping flights on track (and safe) during busy season

With foggy weather and the holiday rush causing headaches (looking at you, IndiGo cancelations), the DGCA is urging pilot groups to pitch in and keep things running smoothly.
They've promised that safety rules around pilot work hours aren't changing—so while airlines get a bit more flexibility, passenger safety stays front and center.