DGCA withdraws rule barring airlines from substituting leave for weekly rest

The North News

New Delhi, December 5

India’s aviation regulator has withdrawn a recent instruction that barred airlines from substituting crew members’ weekly rest days with leave, following concerns raised by carriers over operational disruptions. In a notice issued on Friday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the directive had been reviewed after airlines reported difficulties in maintaining schedules and ensuring continuity of services.

“In view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations… the instruction that no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect,” the regulator said. The DGCA had earlier tightened rest rules for crew members as part of measures to address fatigue and enhance safety. The withdrawal means airlines can once again treat approved leave as weekly rest, giving operators greater flexibility in rostering.

The regulator has not clarified whether the rest rule will be revisited after the current operational issues stabilise.