New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a new regulatory framework that will require all foreign airlines to secure formal operating authorisation before landing or running scheduled flights to India. The draft rules aim to strengthen oversight of international carriers operating under bilateral air service agreements.
According to the draft titled “Requirements for grant of Operating Authorization to Foreign Airlines under Bilateral Air Services Agreements and their scheduled operations to/from India”, airlines must first be formally designated by their home country before seeking approval from Indian authorities. The designation must be communicated in writing through diplomatic channels, specifying the types of services the airline is authorised to operate.
Once the designation is received, foreign carriers will need to submit a detailed application via the DGCA portal. The regulator has made it clear that approval will be granted only if all operational, safety, and regulatory requirements are fully met.
The proposed framework also outlines that authorisations will have a maximum validity of five years, though the DGCA retains the right to impose conditions or monitor compliance during this period. Airlines may be required to furnish additional information to ensure continued adherence to safety and operational standards.
In cases of violations, the DGCA can suspend or revoke the authorisation. Moreover, even after receiving approval, carriers will need to obtain any additional permissions required from airports of departure, transit, or destination.
“The bilateral Air Services Agreements between India and foreign countries provide that each party shall have the right to designate an airline or airlines for the purpose of operating the agreed services on the specified routes,” the draft notes. “While granting the Operating Authorization, the Director General of Civil Aviation may impose such conditions as may be necessary in the interest of safety and compliance.”
The DGCA’s draft framework reflects an effort to tighten regulatory oversight of foreign carriers and ensure that international flight operations into India meet safety, operational, and compliance standards before commencing services.
