India Tightens Rules for Foreign Airlines to Boost Safety and Passenger Rights
India has rolled out stricter regulations for foreign airlines operating in the country, aiming to improve safety standards and strengthen passenger rights. The new measures have been introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the countryâs aviation regulator.
Under the updated framework, the DGCA now has the authority to suspend or revoke the operating permissions of foreign airlines that fail to meet required safety standards or regulatory conditions.
One of the key changes is the requirement for foreign carriers to appoint a local representative in India, who will be responsible for liaising with the regulator and ensuring compliance with aviation rules.
In a major step toward protecting passengers, airlines must also establish a formal grievance redressal system, maintain a complaints database, and regularly report issues to the DGCA. This will allow travelers to raise concerns if service standards are not met.
Additionally, the rules aim to prevent airlines from abruptly suspending services without adequate notice. Carriers may face action if they fail to maintain consistent operations over multiple seasons, ensuring better continuity for passengers.
Foreign airlines are also required to align fully with Indiaâs civil aviation laws and register on the DGCAâs digital platform for better monitoring and transparency.
These reforms are part of Indiaâs broader effort to create a more accountable, transparent, and passenger-friendly aviation sector, as international travel demand continues to grow.
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