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ALPA India writes to DGCA over continued FDTL relaxations citing safety risks
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) asked the DGCA on May 1, 2026 to stop extending exemptions to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), arguing they weaken fatigue safeguards. The appeal follows two pilot deaths reported two days earlier and calls for a structured withdrawal of variations and full, transparent implementation of FDTL.
Why It Matters
The letter emphasizes fatigue management, regulatory credibility, and public safety, potentially influencing aviation oversight and operator rostering norms in India.
Timeline
2 Events
ALPA India writes to DGCA on FDTL relaxations (May 1, 2026)
May 1, 2026
ALPA India, in a letter dated May 1, 2026 and signed as MayDay! 2026 by Captain Sam Thomas, urges the DGCA not to relax Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. The letter argues that repeated operator exemptions have diluted fatigue safeguards and normalized scheduling near regulatory limits without adequate safety buffers. It calls for a structured, time-bound withdrawal of all variations, and full and uniform implementation of FDTL across operators. It also raises concerns about reduced weekly rest, low acceptance of fatigue reports, and demands standardized quarterly fatigue data, with publication on the DGCA website and regulatory audit of trends and corrective actions. The letter stresses that regulatory norms were established through due process and should not be reopened without new safety data.
Pilot deaths reported on April 29, 2026 (Air India pilot in Bali and Akasa Air pilot in Bengaluru)
April 29, 2026
On April 29, 2026, two pilots died: an Air India pilot died in Bali during scheduled rest, and an Akasa Air pilot died during training in Bengaluru. The article notes these deaths occurred two days before ALPA India's letter to the DGCA regarding FDTL relaxations.