Relevance: GS-3 (Aviation Sector, Transport Policy); Source: DGCA, Press Reports

What is Going On 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has granted IndiGo a one-time exemption from certain new night-operation norms after the airline faced over 1,000 flight cancellations in a single day, largely affecting its Airbus A320 fleet.

Reason Behind the Chaos

• New Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms introduced stricter constraints on night-time pilot schedules to ensure safety and reduce fatigue.
  
• IndiGo’s pilot availability was already strained, leading to widespread cancellations when new norms were enforced.
  

How to Fix It (Systemic Measures)

• Strengthen pilot workforce through recruitment and better long-term rostering.
  
• Phased implementation of new safety norms to reduce disruption.
  
• Improved compliance systems for monitoring fatigue and workload.

Significance: Ensures aviation safety while maintaining flight reliability.

About the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) 

• DGCA is India’s civil aviation regulator under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
  
• Regulates air safety, airworthiness, licensing of pilots/engineers, and air transport services.
  
• Frames and enforces standards under the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937.
  
• Issues Air Operator Certificates (AOC) and monitors aviation training organisations.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms in India:

1. DGCA is India’s civil aviation regulator under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
   
2. FDTL exemptions can only be granted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and not by DGCA.
   

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A (1 only)