2 pilots die in 48 hours: Airline Pilots’ Association of India flags fatigue crisis

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) has warned the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that delays in implementing Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms are creating fatigue-driven safety risks following the deaths of two pilots within 48 hours.

In a letter dated May 1, the pilots’ association stated that the current situation directly impacts flight safety, regulatory credibility, and the well-being of flight crews. The association noted that both pilots who recently died were under the age of 45.

Concerns Over Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) Norms

ALPA flagged that repeated relaxations granted to airlines have diluted the original intent of FDTL regulations. The body stated that temporary exemptions have become standard practice, allowing operators to function near regulatory limits without adequate safety buffers.

The association specifically pointed to the dilution of weekly rest norms. It warned that allowing leave to substitute for mandatory rest has a cumulative negative impact on circadian disruption and long-term health outcomes.

Regarding fatigue reporting, ALPA cited RTI findings showing an “alarmingly low rate of acceptance” of fatigue reports by airlines. The body argued that this practice discourages reporting and weakens the overall safety culture.

To remedy this, ALPA is seeking mandatory quarterly fatigue data submissions, public disclosure of this data on the DGCA website, and regulatory audits of corrective measures.

Demands for Transparency and Accountability

The association raised transparency concerns regarding a withheld inquiry report into a December 2025 disruption involving IndiGo. ALPA called for the immediate release of the report to ensure accountability and assess systemic resilience.

Further demands include the publication of periodic data on pilot health and availability. This includes cases of Permanent Medical Unfitness (PMU) and Temporary Medical Unfitness (TMU), as well as trends linked to rostering practices.

ALPA also highlighted the misuse of consecutive night duties and the financial burden placed on cadet pilots. It noted a contradiction where airlines cite crew shortages while licensed pilots remain underutilised.

The association cautioned the regulator against any move to dilute the existing FDTL framework, stating that any rollback without fresh safety data would undermine regulatory integrity.

ALPA concluded that commercial pressures must not override safety imperatives, stating, “The safety of human life must remain paramount and non-negotiable in all aviation operations.”