Delhi High Court Questions DGCA Over Indefinite Pilot Rest Relaxation for IndiGo

The Delhi High Court has raised serious questions over the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) decision to grant an indefinite relaxation of pilot rest norms for IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share. The court’s intervention brings renewed focus on pilot fatigue, regulatory oversight and aviation safety standards in the country’s fast‑growing airline sector.

During the hearing, the High Court reportedly sought clarification from the aviation regulator on why the temporary relaxation of mandatory rest requirements for IndiGo pilots had continued without a clearly defined end date. The court emphasised that safety considerations must remain paramount, particularly as domestic air traffic continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Pilot rest and duty time limitations are designed to prevent fatigue, a known risk factor in aviation operations worldwide. Any relaxation of these norms is typically justified only under exceptional circumstances, such as short‑term operational disruptions. The court questioned whether extending such relaxations indefinitely could undermine the intent of safety regulations.

The DGCA has previously allowed limited flexibility in rest requirements to help airlines manage crew shortages and operational pressures. However, the High Court’s observations suggest growing judicial scrutiny over whether such concessions are being adequately monitored and justified, especially when applied to large carriers operating high‑frequency schedules.

IndiGo operates one of the world’s largest single‑airline narrowbody fleets and accounts for a significant portion of India’s daily flight movements. As a result, any regulatory relaxation granted to the carrier has wider implications for aviation safety and industry practices across the country.

Aviation safety experts note that pilot fatigue management is a critical component of modern airline operations. While efficiency and schedule reliability are important, regulators are expected to ensure that operational demands do not compromise crew alertness or decision‑making, particularly in high‑utilisation environments.

The High Court’s questioning could prompt the DGCA to review how such relaxations are structured, documented and time‑bound. It may also lead to greater transparency around the criteria used to approve deviations from standard flight duty time limitations.

For India’s aviation sector, the case highlights the balancing act between supporting airline growth and enforcing robust safety oversight. As carriers continue to expand fleets and schedules, regulatory decisions will face increasing scrutiny from courts, industry stakeholders and pilot groups alike.

The matter is expected to be heard further, with the DGCA likely required to justify its position and outline how it ensures that safety standards are not compromised despite operational concessions. The outcome could influence future regulatory flexibility granted to airlines operating in India’s highly competitive market.