DGCA Plans Stricter Norms for Foreign Airlines Operating in India

Stricter rules have been proposed for foreign airlines operating to and from India by the DGCA, such as mandatory digital registration on its e-governance portal, stronger legal accountability for local representatives, automatic suspension of unused airport permissions after continued inactivity and a formal passenger grievance reporting system. The DGCA, on 11th March 2026, issued a draft aeronautical information circular seeking to tighten oversight of foreign carriers flying into India.

A main feature of the proposal is a shift to a digital-first compliance system through the eGovernance of Civil Aviation portal, the DGCA’s online platform used for licensing, approvals and regulatory filings. Under the projected framework, foreign airlines will need to obtain unique login credentials by uploading authenticated documents related to incorporation and operational approvals.

Portal access will be initiated only after the regulator verifies the credentials and competence of the airline’s designated “local representative” in India. The draft circular recommends strengthening the role of the local representative.

Under the proposed rules, the representative must be either an Indian national or a registered Indian entity and will be accountable for guaranteeing regulatory compliance on behalf of the airline.

The proposal requires the representative to report any aviation incident to the DGCA within 4 hours, keep information on the eGCA portal up to date at all times and ensure that any change in representation is completed within the set deadlines. Notably, unlike the AIC issued in 2020, the proposed framework would hold the airline itself legally accountable for any lapses committed by its local representative. 

“The airline shall be accountable for all acts or omissions done by the local representative in discharge of its errands assigned by the airline and shall immediately replace the local representative if, at any point in time, the airline or DGCA observes frequent lapses.

The draft also presents “deemed suspension” of an airline’s authorization to operate to precise airports if those approvals remain unused for an extended period. Under the proposal, if a foreign carrier does not operate flights to a specific Indian airport for “four consecutive International Air Transport Association seasons”, DGCA may suspend that airport authorization.

Also, as per the draft, foreign flights operating in India will be required to maintain a grievance register and submit regular reports to the DGCA.

The DGCA has invited comments on the draft proposal until April 9, after which the DGCA will finalize the new compliance framework.

Source: Business Standard