The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has raised concerns over fatigue-related safety risks in Indian aviation after citing six pilot deaths on duty between November 2023 and September 11, 2026.
In a letter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday, the pilots’ body called for an “urgent and comprehensive” review of fatigue exposure, rostering practices and the implementation of fatigue-management rules.
FIP seeks closer scrutiny of pilot fatigue
FIP said the deaths have intensified concerns around cumulative fatigue, disruption of circadian rhythms, adequate recovery time and pilot well-being. However, it made it clear that it was not linking fatigue directly to any of the individual deaths.
“We believe that these events warrant an urgent and comprehensive review of fatigue exposure, rostering practices, recovery opportunities, medical surveillance, and FRMS effectiveness across Indian aviation operations.”
The organisation also flagged what it described as the continued deferment and dilution of some Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) provisions through operator-specific dispensations.
FDTL rules set limits on how long pilots can remain on duty and are intended to reduce fatigue-related operational risks.
Calls for uniform FDTL implementation
FIP urged the DGCA to ensure uniform implementation of all approved FDTL provisions and sought the withdrawal of dispensations granted to individual operators.
It also asked the regulator to establish a DGCA-led National Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) Oversight Programme. Other demands include mandatory quarterly fatigue reports and FRMS performance submissions from airlines, along with formal participation of pilot representative bodies in future discussions on FDTL and FRMS rules.
The pilots’ body further sought an independent scientific review of pilot health trends and fatigue-related medical events.
Fatigue reporting remains a concern
FIP alleged that fatigue among pilots is significantly under-reported because of concerns over roster changes, operational pressure and possible career consequences.
It said existing fatigue-reporting mechanisms need greater transparency and stronger safeguards for pilots who report fatigue-related concerns.
The letter comes amid continuing scrutiny of FDTL implementation. In December, the DGCA eased some pilot duty requirements after a staffing shortage led IndiGo to cancel hundreds of flights. FIP said FDTL provisions have not been fully implemented, with airlines obtaining waivers, particularly for Boeing 787 Dreamliner and night operations.
FIP said the reported deaths should prompt stronger fatigue-risk governance and better monitoring of pilot health, while reiterating that safety must remain the overriding consideration in civil aviation.