Air India Pilots Allowed Longer Shifts, Rest Amid Pakistan Airspace Ban
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted Air India a temporary exemption to extend pilot duty hours and rest periods on US-bound flights to help the airline navigate its operational disruptions after Pakistan banned its airspace. The exemption, effective for two weeks starting April 30, applies to Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
The Pakistan airspace ban has been a major challenge for Air India, which operates several flights to the US every day. The ban has resulted in significant delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers. To mitigate the impact, the DGCA has allowed Air India to extend the duty hours of its pilots by 30 minutes, and also relax the rest period requirements.
According to the DGCA guidelines, pilots are typically required to work for a maximum of 9 hours and 55 minutes, followed by a minimum rest period of 10 hours. However, under the temporary exemption, Air India pilots will be allowed to work for up to 10 hours and 25 minutes, and take a rest period of 9 hours and 55 minutes.
The exemption is only applicable to Air India’s Airbus and Boeing aircraft, which operate on US-bound flights. This is because these aircraft are the most affected by the Pakistan airspace ban, which has resulted in significant delays and cancellations.
Air India May Lose $600 Million if Pakistan Airspace Ban Continues
The Pakistan airspace ban has been in place since February 27, when tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a terrorist attack on an Indian military convoy in Kashmir. The ban has resulted in significant disruptions to air travel in the region, and Air India has been one of the worst-affected airlines.
According to estimates, Air India may lose around $600 million if the Pakistan airspace ban continues for a year. This is because the airline is forced to take alternative routes, which are longer and more fuel-intensive, resulting in higher operating costs.
Impact on Air Travel
The Pakistan airspace ban has had a significant impact on air travel in the region. Several airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights, affecting thousands of passengers. The ban has also resulted in significant delays and cancellations at airports in India, as planes are forced to take alternative routes.
Air India has been working closely with the DGCA and other stakeholders to minimize the impact of the Pakistan airspace ban. The airline has also been exploring alternative routes and schedules to ensure that passengers are not significantly affected.
Conclusion
The DGCA’s temporary exemption to Air India’s pilot duty hours and rest periods is a welcome move, which will help the airline navigate its operational disruptions caused by the Pakistan airspace ban. The exemption will allow Air India to operate its US-bound flights more efficiently, and minimize the impact on passengers.
However, the Pakistan airspace ban is likely to continue for several more weeks, and Air India may need to continue to take measures to mitigate its impact. The airline has been working closely with the DGCA and other stakeholders to find a solution, and it is hoped that the ban will be lifted soon.
