India Overhauls Civil Aviation Rules After Nearly Nine Decades
What Happened
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2026, replacing the nearly nine-decade-old Aircraft Rules, 1937 from January 1, 2027. The framework covers aircraft registration, certification, manufacturing, maintenance, airline operations, personnel licensing and airport operations. For passengers, the rules require airlines to disclose the total ticket price with separate details of fares, taxes, fees, cancellation charges and refund conditions. They also allow the Central government to issue temporary airfare directions in extraordinary situations when considered necessary in the public interest.
Key Takeaways
India is replacing its colonial-era aviation rulebook with a consolidated framework covering safety, operations and passenger transparency. Importantly, the rules do not impose a general cap on airfares, but provide for government intervention in extraordinary situations.