In a statement released on December 5, ALPA India remarked that the Ministry’s decision—shared after a meeting with pilot organizations earlier that day—undermines the court’s requirement to implement scientifically-based fatigue-mitigation standards.
The association highlighted that putting the revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) on FDTL on hold “places pilots and passengers at elevated risk by postponing critical fatigue protections.” It called on the Ministry and the aviation regulator to adhere to the court’s ruling “in both letter and spirit,” prioritizing safety over commercial interests.
The updated FDTL guidelines were anticipated to impose stricter controls on duty hours and rest intervals, bringing India’s regulations closer in line with international fatigue-risk management protocols.
At the same time, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi released a passenger advisory indicating that IndiGo flight operations are “steadily resuming” following disruptions that resulted in over 1,000 flight cancellations.
The airport noted that operations are “returning to normalcy” and advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. “We are pleased to inform you that IndiGo flight operations are now steadily resuming… Please verify your booking and flight status before departing from home,” the advisory stated.
IndiGo had experienced extensive cancellations and delays over the past several days, impacting schedules at major airports.
