Indian Pilots Urge Review After Six On-Duty Deaths

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has formally requested that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation conduct an urgent review of fatigue-management practices. In a letter dated September 15, FIP President Captain CS Randhawa cited six pilot deaths occurring on duty between November 2023 and September 11, 2026, as the basis for the request.

The FIP is calling for the immediate withdrawal of Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) dispensations previously granted to airline operators. The organization argues that these exemptions increase circadian disruption and operational risks. To address these issues, the FIP proposed the creation of a DGCA-led National Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) Oversight Programme and an independent scientific review of pilot health trends. While the FIP stated it does not seek to establish a direct causal link between fatigue and the specific deaths, it maintains the events highlight a need for stronger governance.

This demand follows a period of operational instability in late 2025, when the government placed FDTL orders in abeyance after IndiGo experienced significant flight cancellations and delays during the rules' phased introduction. Although the DGCA introduced revised rules, implementation has been delayed as airlines cite operational challenges. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA have not yet responded to the FIP's latest request.