Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) are regulations that set limits on how long pilots can work. These rules decide:
- How many hours a pilot can fly
- How long they can remain on duty
- How many night flights they can undertake
- The minimum rest they must receive
The purpose is to prevent fatigue and ensure safe flight operations.
Who issued the rules?
The revised FDTL rules were issued and are enforced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under a new framework notified in January 2024.
Aim of the Rules
The main goals of FDTL are to:
- Reduce safety risks caused by pilot fatigue
- Bring Indian aviation in line with global standards
- Make flight operations safer by regulating duty hours, night operations and rest periods
Key Features of the Revised FDTL Rules
1. 48 Hours of Continuous Weekly Rest
Pilots must receive at least 48 hours of uninterrupted rest every week. This helps them recover from long duty hours, busy schedules and frequent night operations, reducing accumulated fatigue.
2. Extended Night Period (00:00 to 06:00)
The night window has been expanded to cover midnight to 6 a.m. These hours are biologically high-fatigue periods, so giving pilots more protected rest during this time improves safety.
3. Limits on Night Operations
Pilots can perform:
- A maximum of two night landings
- A maximum of two consecutive night duties
This reduces exposure to high-fatigue tasks and prevents performance decline during critical flight phases.
4. Mandatory Roster Adjustments & Fatigue Reporting
Airlines must redesign their rosters to comply with the rules. Pilots are also allowed to formally report fatigue, creating a more transparent and safety-focused crew-management system.
5. Phased Implementation Until 1 November 2025
Airlines were given time until November 1, 2025, to fully adopt the rules. This required major changes to long-standing scheduling practices and an increase in crew strength.
DGCA Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) Rules 2025 PDF
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