NEW DELHI: To stabilising airline operations across the country, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has withdrawn its earlier instruction that prohibited airlines from substituting leave for a pilot’s published weekly rest.
The decision reverses a directive issued on January 20, 2025, which stated that “no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest.”
The regulator said it reviewed the rule after receiving multiple representations from airlines flagging operational challenges and disruptions to flight schedules.
DGCA noted that the ongoing disruptions and network instability had prompted carriers to seek flexibility in managing crew schedules to ensure continuity of operations. Considering the urgency to maintain stable flight operations amid widespread cancellations, the regulator concluded that an immediate review of the earlier restriction was necessary.
As a result, the instruction contained in the earlier letter has been withdrawn with immediate effect, allowing airlines to use leave to meet weekly rest requirements where required.
The order, signed by Himanshu Srivastava, Assistant Director of Operations (Flight Standards Directorate), was issued with the approval of the Competent Authority and circulated to all operators.
This marks the third major regulatory relaxation issued within days as DGCA continues to take corrective measures to address nationwide flight disruptions, particularly those affecting IndiGo’s network.
