Delhi HC Seeks DGCA's Reply On New Pilot Fatigue Rules, Flags Passenger Safety

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 18:47 IST

Delhi High Court seeks DGCA response on Sabari Roy Lenka's PIL challenging suspension of new FDTL rules, IndiGo disruptions, and use of low-cost airline term.

Delhi High Court seeks DGCA response on Sabari Roy Lenka's PIL challenging suspension of new FDTL rules, IndiGo disruptions, and use of low-cost airline term.

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the response of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on a petition challenging its decision to keep the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules in abeyance following large-scale disruptions to airline operations.

A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed DGCA counsel Anajan Gosain to seek instructions and place the regulator’s stand before the court by January 29.

“We will have it tomorrow. Please get your instructions," the Bench said.

During the hearing, the court underscored that the FDTL rules have a direct bearing on passenger safety and should ordinarily be enforced once notified.

“It has a direct link with the safety of passengers… Unless the regulations are challenged or found flawed, they need to be implemented. They have not been practically followed… They must be implemented," the Bench observed.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Sabari Roy Lenka and others, who have questioned DGCA’s authority to suspend the implementation of the revised rules. The petitioners argue that the aviation regulator has no power to keep the FDTL norms in abeyance and that they must be brought into force immediately.

The DGCA had notified the revised FDTL norms in 2025, aimed at improving aviation safety by restricting pilot duty hours, increasing rest periods and reducing night landings, in line with global fatigue-risk management standards.

However, the rollout of the stricter norms led to operational difficulties, particularly for IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, resulting in widespread flight cancellations and delays in December 2025. Citing passenger inconvenience, the DGCA temporarily suspended the rules and granted airlines exemptions until early February 2026 to allow them time to adjust.

In addition to challenging the suspension of the FDTL rules, the petitioners have also sought directions to restrain airlines from describing themselves as “low-cost", arguing that there is no statutory or legal recognition of the term under the Aircraft Act, 1934, the Aircraft Rules, 1937, or any Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR).

The plea further seeks action against IndiGo for allegedly failing to provide mandatory passenger facilities, such as free meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodations, in cases of flight cancellations.

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