The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has withdrawn the rule that barred airlines from substituting pilots’ weekly rest with leave. The regulator said the move comes amid major operational disruptions and representations from airlines seeking flexibility to ensure continuity and stability of operations.

With the change, airlines can now use leave in place of weekly rest to stabilise crew rosters. The DGCA said the withdrawal is effective immediately, allowing carriers to consider pilots’ weekly rest as leave. The order, dated December 5, 2025, rescinds the earlier instruction that "no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest" and has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.

Separately, the DGCA has granted IndiGo a temporary one-time exemption from Para 3.11

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