DGCA Rules: How many hours can pilots and air hostesses work in a week? Strict rules have been made even for rest

Last Updated:December 07, 2025, 15:10 IST

DGCA Rules, Air Hostess Pilot Duty Hours: There is a continuous situation of controversy regarding Indigo airline. Passengers are facing problems due to irregularities in their operations. Know what rules DGCA has made for the working hours of pilots and air hostesses.

DGCA Rules: DGCA has made strict rules for flight crew

New Delhi (DGCA Rules, Air Hostess Pilot Duty Hours)In India, the jobs of air hostess (cabin crew) and pilot working in the aviation industry are considered quite demanding and attractive, However, behind the glamor of these jobs, there are strict rules and rigorous working hours hidden, which are directly related to the safety of passengers, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the top organization controlling these duty hours, The main objective of DGCA is to ensure that the flying crew does not commit any mistake due to excessive fatigue,

a tired pilot or air hostess Could be a serious threat to flight safety. Therefore, duty hours are scientifically designed, which include flying time, ground duty, preparation time and mandatory rest time. DGCA rules, called Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, set limits on work and rest for crew members. These rules also decide how long pilots and air hostesses should get rest between flights.

How many hours do air hostesses and pilots work?

The rules are even stricter for night flights, continuous duty hours and long journeys. It is mandatory for all airlines to strictly follow these rules. These FDTL rules ensure that crew members are always physically and mentally alert, making them fully prepared to handle any emergency during flight.

DGCA FDTL Rules for Pilot

time limit	maximum duty hours
in 1 day	From 10 to 13 hours (this time depends on the nature of the flight and the time of day)
in 1 week	up to maximum 60 hours
in 1 month	up to maximum 190 hours
Mandatory rest between consecutive flights	at least 9 to 12 hours
interesting facts	If a pilot is kept on duty for 7 consecutive days, then under DGCA rules he has to be given a mandatory rest of 36 hours.

Rules for Air Hostess (Cabin Crew)

The duty hours of air hostesses also come under FDTL rules and are the same as that of pilots. They also have to ensure flight safety.

time limit	maximum duty hours
in a day (flight)	8 to 10 hours (extra crew on long flights)
in 1 month	more than 100 hours
interesting facts	Cabin crew have to reach the airport at least 1 hour before the start of duty. This is called ‘reporting time’. This is also counted in duty hours.

Why are DGCA rules important?

These rules of DGCA have been made to prevent crew fatigue. Excessive fatigue slows down reaction time, which increases the risk in an emergency. Heavy fines can be imposed on the airline for violating these rules. These rules are updated from time to time, but the basic limits (e.g. maximum duty in a day, weekly rest requirement) have long been standards for flight crew safety and fatigue management.