Parliament Question: Framework to prevent Instability in Airline Operations

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3398 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12th March 2026 ) FRAMEWORK TO PREVENT INSTABILITY IN AIRLINE OPERATIONS 3398. SHRI IMRAN MASOOD Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has undertaken any regulatory review or implemented a new operational framework to prevent instability in airline operations and large-scale flight cancellations; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the salient features of such review/framework; (c) whether new guidelines have been issued for Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and crew planning in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether any provisions have been made for taking punitive action against airlines that violate these guidelines and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) & (b): Amendments to rules and regulations applicable to commercial civil aviation are a continuous process to meet industry demands and to remain aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization. Further, DGCA has issued General Safety Circular 02/2025 dated 11.12.2025 on Advance Preparedness and Timely Compliance of Specific Operating Regulations. The Circular requires stakeholders to prepare a detailed implementation plan well in advance, ensure timely availability and functionality of required resources, conduct necessary trials or dry runs, and submit the preparedness plan along with trial results to DGCA prior to implementation. Stakeholders are also required to monitor the effectiveness of implementation for at least six months and submit weekly reports to DGCA highlighting key observations and the monitoring framework adopted. (c): DGCA has implemented the new Fatigue Management Regulations for Flight crew under CAR Section 7, Series J, Part III, Issue III, Revision 2 in a phased manner, with Phase-1 effective from 01 July 2025 and Phase-2 effective from 01 November 2025, as directed by the Hon'ble Delhi High Court.(d): Any non-compliance attracts enforcement action in accordance with the provisions of the Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual (EPPM). Further, any person who contravenes any rule specified in Schedule VIA and VIB of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 shall be liable for imposition of penalty. ******