The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has recently implemented new regulations pertaining to “Watch Duty Time Limitation and Rest Requirements for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs)” at 57 airports.

This move aligns with international aviation standards and signifies a major step in DGCA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing aviation safety.

These regulations have been introduced as part of a collaborative effort between the regulator and stakeholders, aiming to ensure the highest level of safety within the aviation sector.

The primary objective is to establish clear guidelines for the maximum allowable duty hours and mandatory rest periods for ATCOs, shaping them into formal regulations.

These newly enacted rules closely follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines while taking into account India’s unique national, social, and cultural contexts.

Additionally, they are grounded in scientifically validated optimal limits for ATCOs.

The overarching goal is to foster safer skies while prioritising the health and well-being, both physical and psychological, of ATCOs to guarantee a consistent and secure provision of air traffic services, reports the Economic Times.

The affected airports span across different regions of India, with 57 Air Traffic Control Centers coming under the purview of these regulations:

• Northern Region (9 Centers): Amritsar, Dehradun, Kishangarh, Shimla, Kanpur, Bhuntar, Gaggal, Pant Nagar, Safdarjung

• Southern Region (15 Centers): Trichy, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tuticorin, Calicut, Kannur, Kalaburgi, Mysuru, Belgaum, Hubli, Vijayawada, Cudappah, Hyd-Begumpet, Tirupati, Rajahmundry

• Western Region (12 Centers): Mopa Goa, Indore, Surat, Bhopal, Udaipur, Vadodara, Aurangabad, Hirasar, Jabalpur, Shridi, Kohlapur, Juhu

• Eastern Region (11 Centers): Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi, Durgapur, Gaya, Jhasarguda, Deogar, Jagdalpur, Raipur, Khajuraho, Kushinagar

• North East Region (10 Centers): Barapani, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Lengpui, Lilabari, Rupsi, Imphal, Agartala, Hollongi, Tezu

The DGCA also noted that the rollout of these regulations at other airports will occur gradually, following a roadmap outlined by the Airport Authority of India. This phased approach ensures a smooth transition and compliance across the entire aviation landscape.