DELHI- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI), operating ultra-long-haul flights to North America, has begun assigning crew layovers in Vienna (VIE), Austria for improved rest. The change follows an operational shift caused by Pakistan’s airspace closure, impacting routes to major destinations like Chicago (ORD), Toronto (YYZ), and Washington (IAD).
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fast-tracked the issuance of Crew Member Certificates (CMCs), allowing pilots and cabin crew on these US and Canada routes to legally operate flights involving European stops, Hindu BusinessLine reported.
Air India Crew Layover in Vienna
The operational rerouting of Air India’s (AI) North American services became necessary after Pakistan’s airspace closure, forcing many flights to make a refueling halt in Europe.
While New York (JFK) flights now run non-stop, services to cities like Chicago (ORD), Toronto (YYZ), and Washington (IAD) are stopping in Vienna (VIE). Select San Francisco (SFO) and Vancouver (YVR) flights take a Pacific route via Kolkata (CCU).
Under DGCA norms, flight duty periods for non-stop US-bound flights allow only one landing within a 20–22 hour window.
Previously, due to a shortage of valid CMCs, many Air India crew members were forced to manage two landings—first in Vienna and then at the final destination—resulting in extended duty periods and elevated fatigue risk.
To resolve this, the DGCA provided temporary exemptions to Air India pilots until May 14. However, with the expedited processing of CMCs, most pilots now meet the certification requirements, enabling formal layovers in Vienna. For cabin crew, certification progress is ongoing.
Addressing Fatigue and Other Challenges
Fatigue concerns among Air India flight crews have been a key issue in this transition. Extended work hours, coupled with an additional takeoff and landing during stopovers, compromised safety and performance.
Industry experts highlight that high alertness is essential during these phases, and crew fatigue can lead to serious operational mishaps, including errors during emergency procedures.
According to crew members, the temporary European stops have increased total duty time by 90 to 120 minutes, causing delays and challenges in maintaining the airline’s schedule. The Vienna layover plan is a proactive measure to mitigate these issues, ensuring both operational reliability and crew welfare.
The DGCA’s swift action in expediting CMC processing has been central to implementing the new layover strategy. Previously, the wait time for certifications exceeded a month. However, ongoing collaboration between Air India and the DGCA has significantly reduced delays in issuing these documents.
While the majority of pilots are now cleared for international duties with appropriate certifications, cabin crew documentation is still being processed. Until full compliance is achieved, Vienna will continue to serve as a strategic crew rest location.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
