In a significant move that could shape the future of air travel in India, the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has announced an extension for stakeholder feedback on proposed airport performance standards. The new deadline for submissions is now October 20, 2025.
What's Changing in Indian Aviation?
The extended timeline provides airlines, airport operators, industry associations, and passenger rights groups additional weeks to thoroughly analyze and respond to AERA's comprehensive framework. The proposed standards aim to establish uniform service quality benchmarks across India's rapidly expanding aviation infrastructure.
Key Areas Under Review
The performance standards cover critical aspects of airport operations that directly impact passenger experience:
- Check-in efficiency and waiting times
- Security screening procedures and processing speeds
- Baggage handling system reliability
- Facility maintenance and cleanliness standards
- Passenger amenities and accessibility features
- Retail and food service quality
Why This Extension Matters
Industry experts suggest the additional consultation period reflects the complexity of implementing nationwide standards across India's diverse airport ecosystem. From major international hubs like Delhi and Mumbai to emerging regional airports, the framework must accommodate varying operational scales and passenger volumes.
The extended deadline allows for more comprehensive industry input, potentially leading to more practical and effective regulations that balance passenger interests with operational feasibility for airport operators.
Expected Impact on Travelers
Once implemented, these standards could significantly enhance the airport experience for millions of passengers. Travelers can expect:
- More consistent service quality across different airports
- Clear benchmarks for service delivery and accountability
- Improved complaint resolution mechanisms
- Enhanced overall travel experience
The aviation sector's response to this extended consultation period will be crucial in shaping regulations that could define Indian air travel standards for years to come.
