Air India, IndiGo warn of flight chaos again

India's aviation sector is facing potential chaos as the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), representing major carriers like IndiGo and Air India, has urged the government to reconsider proposed fatigue management regulations for cabin crew. These rules, aimed at enhancing operational safety, include increasing minimum weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours, limiting night operations, and requiring flight attendants to have individual hotel rooms during layovers. The FIA argues that these measures could severely disrupt flight schedules and strain growth potential, particularly given IndiGo's recent cancellation of 4,500 flights due to similar regulatory challenges. The proposed changes exceed international standards and could complicate crew scheduling due to limited hotel availability at various airports. This lobbying comes at a critical time for Air India, which is grappling with financial setbacks following an airspace ban by Pakistan and regulatory scrutiny, while IndiGo faces its own challenges. As discussions continue, the future of these fatigue rules remains uncertain, with no definitive timeline for implementation. The aviation minister recently convened a meeting to address safety and regulatory oversight, highlighting the sector's ongoing struggles amid calls for a balanced approach to crew welfare and operational viability.