The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) jointly wrote to Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, highlighting their concerns
Air India pilots’ associations have alleged that the airline’s management is pressuring and coercing some members to exceed prescribed flight duty time limits. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) jointly wrote to Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, highlighting their concerns.
The unions, representing narrow-body and wide-body pilots, respectively, claim that the airline’s attempt to extend Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) compromises pilot safety and violates regulations. The letter, dated 28 January, reveals instances of pilots facing intimidation to exceed FDTL limits, with threats to career progression.
The unions consider this a matter of “grave concern,” emphasising their commitment to safety and compliance. The letter urges immediate intervention to investigate the allegations and end coercive practices related to FDTL extensions. The allegations gain significance following the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) recent revision of FDTL norms, providing increased rest periods and modified night-hour regulations for pilots.
Air India has not provided an immediate response to the unions’ letter. The associations warn of informing regulatory authorities if coercive practices persist, ensuring transparency and accountability. They stress their duty to passenger safety and the aviation industry’s reputation, copying the letter to Tata Group, Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran, Air India Executive VP and COO Klaus Goersch, and Chief of Flight Safety Rajeev Gupta, among others.
