New Delhi: The International Aviation Organization (IATA – International Air Transport Association) has said that the new duty rules (FDTL) implemented for pilots in India are much more stringent than the global standards. IATA chief Willie Walsh said that it will take time for the situation to return to normal. This comment has come at a time when in the last one week, the country’s largest airline IndiGo has faced major operational disruptions due to the implementation of new duty rules, due to which hundreds of flights have had to be canceled and thousands of passengers have been affected.
Willie Walsh said India’s new rules appear to be more restrictive than those in other countries, but “regulators have a responsibility to ensure the industry remains safe and secure.” He expressed hope that, “I think these changes have been implemented for the right reasons. Now it is only a matter of time before everything gets back to normal.” It is noteworthy that lack of proper planning in implementing the second phase of Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, which came into effect from November 1, was the main reason for IndiGo’s operational constraints.
Speaking at a media roundtable in Geneva, Walsh also said that pilot fatigue standards are an issue that is constantly being discussed in Europe and the United States. He added that India has decided to take action, especially regarding possible fatigue during night time flights. This has naturally had a greater impact on low-cost airlines given their business model. However, it is disappointing that many customers are affected as a result of this change.
The second phase of FDTL standards, among other things, limits the number of night landings a pilot can make. The Civil Aviation Ministry on Tuesday also announced a 10 percent reduction in Indigo’s winter scheduled flights to stabilize operations. IATA is a group of approximately 360 airlines, which are responsible for more than 80 percent of global air traffic. Its members also include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and SpiceJet.
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