India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has released draft guidelines for introducing a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) across airlines. The new system aims to enhance flight crew safety and performance by addressing concerns about fatigue and extended duty hours among pilots and cabin crew.

Currently, airlines follow fixed rules called Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) to manage rest and duty periods. However, the DGCA says FRMS will go a step further by using a scientific, data-driven approach to identify and reduce fatigue risks. The draft advisory, titled Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) Implementation for Flight Crew Members in Scheduled Air Transport Operations, lays out approval processes, rules for implementation, and monitoring systems.

Airlines will need to create a clear FRMS policy, endorsed by senior management. The policy must include SMART goals, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound, to ensure continuous safety improvements and proactive fatigue management.

The draft also requires airlines to set up a Fatigue Safety Action Group (FSAG), which will directly report to the Vice President of Flight Operations. This group must meet monthly, keep detailed records, and share updates within 10 working days. Only airlines with a functioning FSAG will be allowed to apply for FRMS approval.

FRMS will include limits on flight time and duty periods based on scientific principles, strict rest requirements for recovery, and performance monitoring to ensure safety. Airlines will also get flexibility: they can continue with the existing FDTL rules, switch fully to FRMS, or adopt a hybrid system, but only with DGCA’s approval.

The DGCA has invited comments from airlines, pilots, and other stakeholders until September 15 before finalising the rules. The move comes as India continues to tighten fatigue rules for pilots after recent concerns over crew exhaustion.