Syllabus: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Context
- India’s aviation safety came under scrutiny after massive Indigo flight cancellations triggered by pilot fatigue and FDTL disputes.
- Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA actions raised concerns about dilution of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), compromising safety.
Regulatory Decisions Weakening Safety
- The Ministry suspended DGCA’s new FDTL orders to stabilise operations, prioritising commercial interests over safety.
- DGCA appealed to pilots to resume duties, subtly signalling relaxation of fatigue-control norms.
- Experts argue these actions undermine crew rest safeguards and make India appear unserious about aviation safety.
History of Dilution of Fatigue Norms
- DGCA issued strong fatigue guidelines in 2007, but airlines opposed them.
- In 2008, the Ministry kept these CAR norms “in abeyance,” favouring industry concerns.
- Pilots challenged this in the Bombay High Court, which initially criticised the Ministry for risking passenger safety.
- Later reversal by the Court allowed continued dilution of duty-hour norms.
Poor Preparedness and Understaffing
- Indigo and DGCA knew new regulations were due from November 1, 2025 but failed to prepare, leading to nationwide chaos.
- CAR (2022) mandates sufficient crew, minimum three sets per aircraft, but operational needs require at least six sets for domestic and twelve for long-haul operations.
- Airlines allegedly under-employing pilots worsened the crisis.
Lack of Accountability
- ICAO (2006) recommended an independent aviation regulator; India still operates with a regulator influenced by government and industry pressures.
- DGCA overlooked compliance gaps, enabling airlines to bypass safety norms.
- Ministry suspended safety requirements despite High Court directions, signalling regulatory capture.
Rising Safety Risks
- India has witnessed three major air crashes since 2010 (Mangaluru, Kozhikode, Ahmedabad).
- Findings of AI-171 (Ahmedabad) crash reportedly delayed without reason.
- Safety environment worsening as FDTL norms remain diluted and compliance doubtful.
Key Concern
- Government, DGCA and airlines claim safety is “paramount,” but actions on December 5, 2025 demonstrate prioritisation of economic interests over passenger and pilot safety.