DGCA's Temporary Extension Sparks Safety Concerns Amid Pakistan Airspace Closure

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has temporarily extended the flight duty time for Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner operations due to the closure of Pakistan's airspace. This extension applies to certain European flights affected by longer routes and is based on specific operational reasons, as communicated by the aviation regulator.

The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) had called for the withdrawal of this extension, arguing that it may compromise flight safety by prioritizing operational convenience over safety standards. The extension increases the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) from 10 to 10.5 hours and the Flight Duty Period (FDP) from 13 to 14 hours.

Only nine flights are eligible for this one-time exemption, with the DGCA mandating monthly fatigue reports and additional rest for the flight crew. ALPA India criticized the decision, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established safety regulations to prevent potential fatigue-related issues. Air India has yet to comment on the matter.