India's Aviation Regulator Reverses Controversial Pilot Rest Rule

India's aviation regulator has reversed a new pilot rest requirement just days after introducing it. The decision follows major flight disruptions at IndiGo, the country's largest airline. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) introduced the rule on Monday. It required a longer, 10-hour rest period for pilots between flight shifts. The rule applied specifically to pilots who had operated during the low-visibility "Category 3" landing procedures. By Tuesday, IndiGo had canceled approximately 70 flights. The airline cited a "massive shortage" of available crew due to the new rest rule. This caused significant travel chaos for passengers. On Wednesday, the DGCA withdrew the new requirement. It stated that airlines must now follow the older, pre-existing rules for pilot rest. The regulator did not provide a specific reason for the sudden reversal. The DGCA has instructed airlines to ensure flight schedules remain stable. It warned that it will take "strong enforcement action" if further disruptions occur.