New Delhi:India's aviation regulator on Friday withdrew, with immediate effect, one part of the Flight Duty Time Limitations rules, the first phase of which kicked in July 1 - which said 'no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest' - to resolve the operational crisis that has affected IndiGo, the country's largest airline.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation said, "... in view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representatives from various airlines regarding need to ensure continuity and stability of operations, it has been considered necessary to review the said provision".

The DGCA also offered an exemption - till February 10 - for night-time flights, but said the airline must face a review every 15 days and present a 30-day roadmap to show "full compliance" with the rules.

Today's revisions to the FDTL norms mean airlines do not have to differentiate between leave and weekly rest when rostering pilots and flight crew.

Therefore, a pilot granted earned leave for 48 hours, for example, will now be considered as having also had a 'weekly' rest, as mandated by the new rules.

Source:Ndtv