Civil Aviation regulator DGCA has refused to extend the deadline for new pilot duty hours from 1 June. The regulator has asked airlines to prepare for implementing the new norms and get their new pilot flight duty timings approved by 15 April.
Airline executives said that as a result of this they will have to cancel up to 20% flights leading to higher ticket prices during summer travel season. Fares are already higher according to online travel portals as almost 20% of the fleet of Indian airlines are grounded due to engine issues and financial crunch.
