The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a new set of guidelines outlining the regulatory framework for foreign airlines planning to operate flights to and from India. The revised norms detail the approval process, documentation requirements, and compliance obligations that foreign carriers must fulfil before launching services in the country.
According to the aviation regulator, foreign airlines will be required to obtain specific operating authorisation from the DGCA prior to commencing operations in India, even if the proposed services are permitted under existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) between India and their respective home countries.
Designation Under Bilateral Agreements
Under the provisions of BASA signed between India and other nations, foreign airlines must first be formally designated by their respective governments before applying for permission to operate flights to India. Only carriers nominated by their home governments will be eligible to seek operating approval from the Indian regulator.
The designation must be submitted in writing through diplomatic channels, identifying the airline and specifying the type of air services it is authorised to operate under the bilateral agreement.
The DGCA said operating authorisation will be granted only after verifying that the airline’s substantial ownership and effective control remain with the designating country or its nationals. In addition, the regulator will ensure that the airline’s home country maintains adequate aviation safety and security oversight in line with bilateral provisions.
Mandatory Registration on DGCA Portal
Before submitting an application for operating authorisation, foreign airlines must first register on the DGCA’s e-Governance of Civil Aviation (eGCA) portal and create a login ID.
As part of the registration process, airlines will be required to submit key documents including their Air Operator Certificate (AOC), company registration certificate, details of their headquarters, and information on organisational and management structures.
The regulator has also mandated disclosure of senior management details. Airlines must provide information on their chief executive officer, country head, and the local representative appointed to manage operations in India.
Local Representative Requirement
Foreign airlines must appoint a local representative who is either an Indian citizen or an entity registered in India to handle operational matters within the country. The representative will serve as the official point of contact for all regulatory matters with the DGCA and must be familiar with Indian aviation regulations.
Airlines will also be required to submit a written undertaking from their CEO confirming that the carrier will comply with all Indian aviation laws, rules, and regulations applicable to its operations.
Once the registration process is completed and access to the eGCA portal is activated, airlines may create three sub-user accounts, including one designated for the local representative responsible for operational coordination in India.
90-Day Advance Application Requirement
Under the new guidelines, foreign airlines must submit their application for operating authorisation at least 90 days prior to the proposed start of services.
The application must include details of the airline’s fleet, accident and incident records for the past five years, as well as arrangements for aircraft maintenance and ground handling operations in India.
A DGCA committee will review the application and supporting documentation before granting approval, ensuring that all regulatory, operational, and safety requirements have been met.
Permission Valid for Five Years
Once granted, the operating authorisation will remain valid for a maximum period of five years. However, the DGCA noted that the permission may be suspended or revoked if an airline fails to comply with Indian aviation laws, safety standards, or ownership requirements.
Operational Compliance and Passenger Protection
The guidelines also require airlines to coordinate flight slots with airports and submit their flight schedules to the DGCA at least 30 days before commencing operations.
Additionally, the regulator has introduced a continuity clause. If a foreign airline does not operate flights to a specific Indian airport for four consecutive International Air Transport Association (IATA) traffic seasons, its permission for that airport will be automatically suspended.
To strengthen passenger protection, the DGCA has also made it mandatory for foreign airlines operating in India to establish a Passenger Grievance Redressal Mechanism (PGRM) to address passenger complaints and ensure compliance with Indian consumer protection and aviation regulations.
