India's New Pilot Duty Rules Deemed More Restrictive by IATA Director General

Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has stated that India's recently implemented flight duty regulations for pilots appear significantly more restrictive compared to those in other global jurisdictions. Despite the increased stringency, Walsh acknowledged the necessity of these changes for enhancing aviation safety standards within the country.

The new regulations have particularly impacted night operations, leading to notable disruptions for Indian carriers. IndiGo, a major airline in India, has been directly affected by these changes, prompting the carrier to initiate adjustments to its flight schedules and pilot rostering to comply with the updated mandates.

Walsh expressed confidence that the operational challenges faced by airlines will gradually stabilize as the industry adapts to the new regulatory environment. The global aviation body anticipates that Indian airlines will eventually integrate these stricter rules into their standard operating procedures, ensuring continued safety without long-term operational paralysis.