Air India Temporarily Extends Crew Duty Hours Amid Pakistan Airspace Ban

India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has granted Air India a temporary exemption to extend maximum duty hours and rest periods for pilots and crew on long-haul flights, particularly to the United States, as a response to Pakistan's airspace closure. The two-week exemption, effective from April 30, allows duty periods to rise from 14 to 16 hours for flights up to 12 hours and from 22 to 24 hours for flights over 14 hours, with additional rest provided at layovers and home base. This measure aims to manage operational disruptions, increased flight times, and rerouted journeys that have resulted in higher fuel and engineering costs. Air India estimates that the closure, if prolonged for a year, could cost the airline approximately $600 million and has requested government compensation. Pilots have voiced concerns about fatigue and increased workloads, labeling the extended hours as 'extreme.' The DGCA continues discussions with airlines to monitor the situation and explore permanent solutions.