DGCA confirms it: Now, pilots will have to serve one-year notice period

Domestic pilots bodied had opposed the idea when the proposal was mooted in May

Overruling objections from pilots, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has increased the notice period of commanders to one year from six months earlier. Co-pilots will continue to serve six months notice period.

The civil aviation regulator issued new regulations today citing public interest. The DGCA said pilots were quitting jobs without notice leading to last minute cancellations and inconvenience to customers.

With the finalisation of the rule the DGCA and pilots are headed for another showdown. Pilots are set to challenge the regulation afresh arguing that the notice period is a contractual issue between them and their employer and the regulator